William Lee Bowker

Lovingly known as “Bill,” “Pops,” and “Papa,” Bill was born on September 15, 1951, in Santa Monica, California, to Donald L. Bowker and Effie May Bowker. Bill had four younger siblings - Susie, Donny, Mary Kay, and Mike. He grew up in Bell California and graduated from Bell High School.

Bill met Jean Warrell, got married, and started a family together. They were married for 13 years and had three children together- William Jr "Billy", Eric and Kimberly. Bill and Jean set up their roots in Downey, CA in 1981, but before that they spent time in Norwalk, South Gate and even some time in Missouri.

Bill grew up running down the streets of Bell - whether it was working on cars, racing them or just finding trouble to get into, you could always find him around cars. He worked for Speedy Speedometer, Commercial Speedometer, Bethlehem Steel before settling down and working for his cousin, Donald Bullard, at Southern California Valve Maintenance "SCV". He worked there for over 35 years and wore many titles , like Field Maintenance Supervisor, Shop Foreman and Field Sales. That place was his 2nd home. He was known for opening his house and home to many co-workers that needed a place to stay. Each one of his kids worked there at some point and in some fashion - Kimmi answering phones, Eric building shipping containers and pallets, and Billy as a Valve Mechanic.

Bill was happiest when he was cooking for the yearly Christmas holiday party. You could always find him behind the BBQ doing his ribs and chicken. He loved to cook and bake, using his own recipes, and even using his own veggies from the garden. Bill discovered a passion for gardening later in life — though at some point, it might be more accurate to say gardening discovered him, as the garden found a way to take over the yard. Besides the garden, cooking and tinkering away in the garage for hours or on a house project. Bill had a knack for figuring out odd builds, making his own parts, getting the biggest deals and discounts, and making friends with all the right people. In fact, he spent one of his last days working with his sons in the yard and garage.

He also loved being a "Papa" to his 2 grandchildren, Haylee and Brody. Later in life he took on 2 more honorary grandchildren Alexia and Vicente. And 4 more honorary great grandchildren Azel, Leilani, Elijah and Akari.

If you knew Bill then you knew he was fluent in sarcasm, jokes and making people laugh. But let's not forget he also had a stubborn side a mile long - he would like to say he got from his kids. Despite his many surgeries and amputations, you could not keep Bill still for too long. Even his surgeon knew his personality and would add extra bandages to his hands to prevent him from using them, which didn't work for too long.

Bill touched countless lives — from his family and friends to the strangers he met while cruising the streets in his electric wheelchair. His kindness, humor, and presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

He will be missed; he was one of a kind.

Services to be held on February 28th, 2026, 930am at Allen-English & Estrada Funeral Home in Bell Gardens, CA.