Randolph Edward Bowles was born on June 19, 1945, to the late Freda Herron Bowles and William Edward Bowles in Monroe, Louisiana. He graduated from Ouachita Parish High School in 1964 and from Northeast Louisiana University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.  During his career he worked for Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation in Houston, Texas.  He was employed by Enterprise Products as a Pipeline Estimator and Engineer in Houston until his retirement in 2018.

Randolph loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, and rebuilding outboard boat motors for fun. He was known to enjoy college sports, especially LSU football, and all things Louisiana. He also loved studying about history, going antiquing, and traveling to garden shows to collect different Louisiana irises. He was always willing to help others and those in need. Randolph was happiest working on his farm, planting trees, and tending to the animals.

Randolph is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gayle Kelly Bowles, daughter, Kelly Bowles West (Jeremy), son, Randolph Ryan Bowles (Jennifer), and grandchildren: Elizabeth West Konarik (Adam), Harmon Alexander West, James Ryan Bowles, and Mary Elizabeth Bowles. He also leaves behind his sisters, Laura Bowles Pryor and Mary Bowles Platt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Harmon Alexander West, James Ryan Bowles, Christopher Adam Konarik, James Barton Kelly, Judge William Holcombe Pryor, and David Patrick Pryor.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8 :00 p.m., Thursday, May 2nd ,  with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at O.T. Allen Funeral Home in Alto.  Services will be held at 10:00 a.m.in Alto the following day, Friday, May 3rd at A. Frank Smith Methodist Church.  Burial will be held immediately following services at Shiloh Cemetery in Alto.

It was Randolph's wish that memorial tributes be made to Shiloh Cemetery Association, Post Office Box 315, Alto, Texas 75925.