Justus Edward Bowe Jr.

Justus E. Bowe Jr.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Justus E. Bowe Jr., a devoted veteran, community servant, and cherished family man, who departed this life at the age of 91. Justus was born on April 20, 1933, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, to Justus E. Bowe Sr. and Voree S. Bowe. Raised by his father and his stepmother, Emma Bowe, after the loss of his mother, he grew up as an industrious young man, contributing to his family's needs by selling newspapers, picking blackberries, performing lawn maintenance, and working in a sawmill—all while helping to care for 11 younger siblings.

Justus’s sense of duty led him to serve his country first in the United States Army and then in the United States Air Force, where he excelled in law enforcement and security. During his honorable military service, he earned the Air Force Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart Medal for his bravery and dedication.

While stationed at Roswell’s Walker AFB, Justus met and later married his beloved wife, Christine Olivia Bowe, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Together they raised three children—Rodney, Michelle, and Nadeem (formerly Darryl)—and celebrated the joys of life with five grandchildren: Olivia, Solomon, Justus, Hamza, and Noura.

After a distinguished 22-year career in the Air Force, Justus embarked on a second career in Roswell, New Mexico. His professional life included roles as an employment and training job developer for the State of New Mexico, a personnel technician at the N.M. Rehabilitation Center, and finally as the employment and training representative at the N.M. Department of Labor/Local Veterans. Alongside his professional endeavors, he was a full-time dad, always present at his children’s numerous extracurricular activities, instilling in them the family motto, “A Bowe is supposed to know.”

Justus extended his commitment beyond his family through extensive community service. He served on the boards of the Roswell Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Roswell High School Parent Advisory Committee, Tobosa Developmental Service, Roswell Cemetery-South Park, and the Community Foundation of Chaves County. A lifelong learner, he also participated in the Roswell Leadership Program. Even after his second retirement, his service continued as he contributed to the Washington Chapel Christian Worship Center, the First Tee of Pecos Valley, Blackdom Memorial, Inc., and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Breakfast—where he was honored with the Humanitarian Award in 2009. Christine often remarked that in retirement, Justus was busier than ever.

Justus’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to service, his continuous quest for knowledge, and the deep love he shared with his family and community.

He is preceded in death by his father, Justus Edward Bowe Sr.; his mother, Voree Bowe (née Smith); his stepmother, Emma Jean Bowe; his brother, Nathan Bowe; his sister, Laura Randolph; his brother, Samuel Bowe; and his sister, Loree Bowe. He is survived by his loving wife, Christine Olivia Bowe; his children, Rodney, Michelle, and Nadeem; his grandchildren, Olivia Morris, Solomon Pleasant, Justus Soul-Bowe, Hamza Shaheed, and Noura Shaheed; his sisters, Cora Bowe, Minnie Crosby, Rosie Kelly, Emily Bowe, Voree Willis, Carolyn Bowe; his brother, Leon Bowe; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Justus’s remarkable life, filled with selfless service and deep compassion, will fondly be remembered by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled in his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday February 19, 2025, from 9AM-1PM. With service to follow at Lagrone Funeral Chapel, at 1PM. With burial at General Douglas McBride Veterans Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Justus’s memory to one of his favorite charities:

-Big Brothers and Sisters of Southeastern New Mexico

https://www.bbbs-cnm.org/about/senm/

-The Roswell Refuge 

https://roswellrefuge.org/

-The American Legion, Norman E Harpole Roswell Post 61

https://www.roswelllegion.org/