Robert R. Bowles, 85, of Attica passed away peacefully at 6:18 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He had been in failing health the past few years.
Bob was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Newtown, to the late Woodford Harrison and Marth Louise Diehl Bowles. He was first married to Betty Humphrey with whom he shared children, he later married to Barbara Stewart who preceded him in death. His long-time companion Marilyn Billingsley also preceded him in death in 2024.
Bob was a graduate of Richland Township High School in Newtown and had worked on local farms and a lumberyard as a young man. He started a career at C&D Battery in Attica, which lasted 43 years and he retired as a head of Quality Control. For 22 years he served as a member of the Attica Special Police Auxilary.
Bob was not only a Past President and Lifetime Member of Attica Eagles #2596, but was involved in building the current building and designing the bar. He had been involved in Attica Little League serving as president and was a member of the Newtown Community Church. He enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre, golf, bowling, riding his motorcycle and horses, coin collecting, IU Basketball and NASCAR. Bob had a colorful outgoing nature, never knew a stranger, ornery, loved his family and was a collector of things!
Surviving are two children, daughter Penny R. (Jerry) Haddock and son Robert Scott Bowles, both of Attica; grandchildren, Andrew Haddock of Attica, Aaron (Cade) Haddock of Attica, Jordan Bowles of Bloomington and Ayla Bowles of Indianapolis; four great-grandchildren, Tynlie, Daxtyn, Charlie and Marjorie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ben and Carl Bowles; grandson Kevin; and nephew Lance Bowles.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, with an Eagles Memorial Service conducted by Attica Eagles #2569 at 7 p.m. at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the funeral home, with Pastor Mike Parks officiating. Burial with graveside services will follow in Newtown Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are preferred to Newtown Community Church or Newtown Cemetery.
Visit us online at www.familyafriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.
