Bowens, Phebis Russell

Phebis Russell Bowens, age 77, a resident of Albuquerque since 1960, died Monday, September 4, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, JoAnn Bowens; daughter, Georgia Bowens Matsu; son, Phebis Russell Bowens; granddaughters, Jade LeeAnn Matsu, Samantha JoAnn, Jessika Rae, and Ashliegh Lynn Bowens; siblings, Phyllis Sue, Dorothy, and Joy; other relatives; and many friends. Phebis was preceded in death by his parents, Fannie L. and Ervin Bowens; sister, Belinda; and brothers, Gary and Rondle.

He was born in 1940 in Pikeville, KY and was a football star in high school, graduating from Pikeville, KY. He then spent two seasons with the Detroit Lions as a walk-on. Unfortunately, he was too small for football and moonshine got him sent to the service where he served in the United States Air Force. It was there that he played for PACAF in Hawaii and was awarded many trophies including the All World Trophy in football. After his discharge in 1967 Phebis went to work for the United States Postal Service as a carrier for many years and then as a training instructor. He prided himself in being an artist, loving to sculpt and paint. He also loved acting for a while. Phebis was a very gregarious person, never meeting a stranger. He coached Little League and YAFL. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund. Please visit our online guestbook for Phebis at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Lomas 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE 505.275.3500 www.frenchfunerals.com