“Hello, I’m Joe Bowman....”  And with those simple words, a friendship began that would put us together for many years and would change my life in ways that my wildest imaginings back home on the farm could ever have conceived.   Also, it was at that first meeting that I met another dear friend M. I. (Mil) Decker.  It was Mil that first said that I was ‘The Concho Kid’, a persona that stuck and so that is what I would become known as during the years that Joe and I traveled and performed together.

It was and always has been a very warm relationship. Joe sort of took me under his wing like a big brother only Joe wasn't’t one to act ’big’ about anything. He is much too patient and understanding to ever pretence to be bigger or better than anyone else. He is a very deep and thoughtful man who likes to think that he can make a difference is he just tries a little harder.  And Joe is always trying a little harder to do what he does a little better.

What is it he does?, you might ask.  Joe is and always has been the best of every thing that has made this country so great.  He not only believes in God, but he lives his life to do credit to the God he serves.  He loves his country and proved it during the 2nd world war when he was decorated (Bronze Star) for heroism and bravery under fire.  He also received the Purple Heart as a result of the wounds he sustained.  He loves his family and, as proven, he would gladly lay down his life to save any one of them. He is loyal to his friends and those he loves, and there are many in both categories.

The thing that Joe and I shared very strongly was the pure pleasure we get from entertaining folks. During the years we rode together, we did more than 250 personal appearances appeared with and got to know some of the best known figures of our day,  both in politics and in entertainment. And we shared ideas and ideologies for countless hours as we rode to and from those appearances and the rehearsals that went into them. There were TV appearances and we even did the lead-in for a TV show locally produced in Houston and lasted for a full season.  And there were a few guest shots in motion pictures to top it off. In 1962 we were honored to do a performance for the NASA Astronauts stationed in Houston.

The Governor of the Great State of Texas saw fit to declare Joe Bowman an Ambassador at Large for the State.  The famed Texas Rangers have found him to be worthy of being called one of their honored members. He has letters of recommendation from more people than space permits.  His artistic talents have gone even beyond his famed ability as a shootist. He designs and makes everything he wears. At one time, the only thing about him that he didn't’t make himself was his hat. Well, actually several dozen hats. One for every occasion.  When we were together, even his guns were one of a kind.  Largely through Joe’s influence and persistence, Ruger Arms now makes a gun designed by Joe Bowman.  But, for a few special friends, Joe will add his own touch to those out-of-the-box Rugers and only then will you have one just like his.