Joe Robert 'Jody' Bowles

EASTLAND – Joe Robert “Jody” Bowles, age 82 went home to be with Jesus Monday, November 11, 2018. Services for Jody will be 11 am Friday, November 16th at Edwards Funeral Home, there will be a private burial in Eastland Cemetery. The visitation will be 5-7 PM Thursday, November 15th.

Jody was born December 23, 1935 in Cisco to Joe Arthur and Viola Rosie Millican Bowles. He lived in Eastland County until 1953 when his father was transferred with Coca Cola Company to Abilene, TX where Jody graduated from Wylie High School. After graduation he worked for several oilfield companies in the Odessa/Midland area. In 1958 he enlisted in the US Army and served in Inchon, Korea returning home only to be drafted back into the Army in 1962. During this enlistment he served in the New Orleans, “Bay of Pigs” war. Two Honorable Discharges were given to Jody, leaving service as Sgt. Joe R. Bowles.

Between 1965 and 1974 Jody worked for Coca Cola USA, traveling to 4 states as a sales representative. In 1975, he decided to return to Eastland to be closer to family and was introduced by a best friend, a great pizza, which became a popular pizza business – Jody’s Pizza. On December 19, 1981 he married Annette Roller at Camp Inspiration at the old Church of God building. In 1994 Jody retired from the business after serving many customers who enjoyed his homemade pizza style.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a son, John Bowles.

He is survived by his wife Annette, son Joey Bowles and wife Brandy, grandchildren; Kyanna Bowles and Holden Bowles and a brother, Gene Bowles and wife Pat.

Jody will be remembered by many as a salesman or pizza maker but mostly as a kind and giving person who cared for everyone, especially for his family.