While doing some Googling on bootmakers I came across the recent obituary for Joe Bowman.
I recalled several boots in the late Tyler Beard's second book, "The Art of the Boot" that were made by Bowman and DeGeorge. One pair of boots was on the cover. That was about all the info that I had for Mr. Bowman. This article indicates that he made boots while in high school in Houston TX at Roy Smith Boots, and Palace Boot Shop. He was drafted after graduation during WWII, came back and started the Bowman and DeGeorge Boot Shop in Houston. He also made saddles and carved holsters. He made boots for Roy Rogers, and probably other movie stars.
He quit the business, and developed another talent, western shooting. He was well known for that, got to meet several western stars like John Wayne, James Drury, and many more. He traveled many places performing shooting exhibititions.
A lover of all things western, a gifted bootmaker and leather craftsman, and a military hero, he leaves a great legacy.
Thanks Joe.
