"John was a very active and faithful member of the Board of Directors of the Family Service Agency of Adams County, when I was Executive Director of the agency. As Executive Director I appreciated his contributions and am sorry to learn of his passing. He offered many ideas and suggestions towards operation of the agency which contributed to being accredited by the National Association of Family Service Agencies of America."
In loving memory of
John Paul Bowers
July 26, 2013
John Paul Bowers, 97, of 418 Washington Street and formerly of 2308 Jackson Street, died on July 26, 2013, at 3:10 pm at Sunset Home.
Born January 2, 1916, in Manito, Illinois, he was the son of Henry Bowers and Mary Bowers Groce.
After joining the United States Air Force, he was stationed in California and on October 7, 1942, married Ruby Beatrice Lichtenberger in San Luis Obispo, California. Ruby (Bea) Bowers recently passed away on June 5, 2013.
A distinguished and highly decorated veteran of World War II, he became a First Lieutenant and was a pilot of B-17 bombers with the 326th Bombardment Squadron and 92nd Bombardment Group for the United States Army Air Corps in the air offensive over Europe.
He flew 30 successful missions and additional missions as an instructor of aviation cadets. He joined the Air Force on February 20, 1941, and was honorably discharged on November 30, 1945. Personal awards include the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
A long-time executive at Gates Radio Company (Harris Intertype Corporation), John served as a purchasing agent and was then named head of the Purchasing Department, a position he held for many years.
Later, he became a successful realtor at the Bower Gallery of Homes and at Century 21 Awerkamp and Hays until his retirement.
A talented craftsman, John expertly built his own home at 2308 Jackson, which showcased his excellent building, mechanical and woodworking skills.
He served as a deacon in the First United Presbyterian Church and also was a board member of the Family Service Agency in Quincy. He was a deeply religious man who loved and treasured his family. John and Ruby later became members of Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church.
He loved his family, reading, music and thoroughly enjoyed golf. Always exhibiting wisdom and a great "joie de vivre," he possessed a remarkable sense of humor.
He is survived by his two children: Joan (Gary) Schwartz of Carmel, California and John (Colleen) Bowers of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Schwartz of Carmel, California; Lakeesha (Ellis Garvin) Bowers of Grass Valley, California; Paul (Maggie) Bowers and Misty Bowers of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; and three great-grandchildren, Rowen Garvin, Shelby Bowers and Max Bowers. He is also survived by nieces Betty Simaitis, Delores Williams, Shirley Bogle, Barbara Gerdes, Janet Conover, Mary Gates, Lorna Morrison, Vivian Blackford, and Shirley Miller. Surviving nephews are Stephen, Brian and Cory Lichtenberger. Also surviving are a brother-in-law, Robert Lichtenberger (Wilma), and sister-in-law, Bertha Blackford. Other surviving relatives are numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife of 71 years, Ruby Beatrice Bowers; his parents and his in-laws; a granddaughter, Sarah Lynn Bowers; brothers Charles Bowers, Ernest Bowers, Truman Bowers and Lester Bowers; sisters Elizabeth Enquist and Dorothy Durr; sisters-in-law Mildred Gates and her husband, Parker Gates; Eileen Springer and her husband, Waldorf; brothers-in-law Hayward Lichtenberger and William Durr; and nephew Kenneth Blackford.
Services: 2:00 pm Wednesday (July 31, 2013) at Hansen-Spear Funeral home with Rev. Ron George officiating.
Visitation: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Wednesday (July 31, 2013) at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy Illinois with military honors by American Legion Post #37 and Illinois Military Honors.
Memorials: Sunset Home, Alzheimer's Association or Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church
Website: www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"You have our sympathy.We loved Uncle John. ."