Clyde Bowden

Clyde Bowden, 81, of Peoria, Arizona passed away April 27, 2010. Clyde was born May 3, 1929 in Russelville, Arkansas to Gladys (Graves) and Efton Bowden. As a young man, Clyde left home at age 17 and joined the Merchant Marines. Shortly after leaving the Merchant Marines, he began what would ultimately be a lifelong career in the Electrical Industry. He worked as a groundman, received an apprenticeship and worked as a Journeyman Lineman with Southern California Edison. In 1952 he came to Arizona on a tip that there was work at Arizona Public Service (APS). He was hired on at APS, joined Local Union 387, and in 1964 he served as President of local 387. Not long after he was approached to serve as Assistant Business Manager and by 1968 he was serving as the Business Manager for IBEW Local 387. He served in this elected capacity for 32 years. Because of his commitment to the union community, Clyde was named “Man of the Year” by the Central Arizona Labor Council in 1982. In 1986 Clyde ran for International Executive Council for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He served 15 years in this capacity and retired in 2001. Clyde was known nationally as a fierce negotiator, an expert arbitrator, and a powerful advocate for the rights of union workers. His accomplishments are many but his commitment to the membership of IBEW Local Union 387 in negotiating one of the best union contracts in the nation is his legacy. Clyde and his wife, Judy, spent many years traveling, enjoying life and enjoying each other. His children wrote “Dad had an incredible sense of humor. Laughter was something we all did when we were together. His brother said, “He was a good brother and did a lot of good for a lot of people”. Survivors include his wife Judy; children, Karen Young (Wil), Tim Bowden (Kymie), John Bowden Clyda Faye Cooper (Jim); brother Dee Bowden; grandchildren, , Michelle, Rachael, Jake, and Sarah. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2010 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel, 12420 N. 103rd Ave. Sun City, AZ. Private interment to take place at Resthaven Park Cemetery.