Ralph Andrew Bowman, long time Pullman sports figure, passed away October 11, 2017 at his Pullman home. He was 75. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, October 21st at 10:30 a.m. at Simpson Methodist Church. Ralph was born September 27, 1942 in Lemoore, California to George and Joyce Lees Bowman. He grew up in the San Bernardino area with his two sisters, Mary and Toni Lyn. Ralph was a Cub Scout and was active in 4-H. He liked to raise chickens and even peddled their eggs on a route that he developed. Ralph's family moved to Pullman when he was in Junior High. Although he didn't play sports he was very active with the high school teams as a team manager. Ralph joined Simpson Methodist Church in high school and developed a love and relationship with the church that lasted his lifetime. He graduated from Pullman High School in 1961. Ralph began working for Washington State University as a janitor and held that job until his retirement some 37 years later. He loved to travel and went on several missions trips with his church including a trip to Mexico. His love for sports was undeniable and he spent countless hours recording by hand the statistics of each athlete into binders and books that he kept. Each evening, Ralph would phone the newspapers and give the sports recap for the various events that had taken place that day. For 50 years he kept the stats for the American Legion and Babe Ruth baseball teams. His volunteer service to Pullman High Athletics was his true passion and hobby. They honored him by naming one of the high school fields the Ralph Bowman Field. He had received many awards and tributes over the years from the Pullman Athletic Sports Banquets and has a star on the downtown walk of fame. Ralph was active in the Pullman Senior Center as well and had served on their board of directors. He was proud of the fact that his mother had helped form the senior center. He was also a member of Kiwanis Club in Pullman. He was a Cougar Athletics season ticket holder and travelled to the Rose Bowl twice. Ralph is survived by two sisters; Mary Legry of Vancouver, WA. and Toni Lyn Bowman of Davis, CA.; his nephew, David Legry of Seattle, WA. and his niece, Katherine Legry of Portland, OR. and 2 great-nephews; Atticus Legry and Dziga Legry both of Seattle. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Pullman Senior Center. On-line guest book is at www.kimballfh.com
Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman is caring for the family.