Robert Stephen Bowers began his life's Journey on March 5, 1934, in Newcomb, N.Y. His parents are Frank and Mildred Bowers. They provided an environment in which he developed a firm belief in God, a deep respect and appreciation of the arts, and a keen recognition of the beauty in each person and nature. His education gave him a life-long love of reading and learning. Those formative years provided opportunities to explore many avocations — logging, trucking, horse training, rodeo, mechanics, etc. This strong foundation gave him wings to be a very well rounded, self-reliant, independent man among men.

Bob graduated from Johnsberg High School in North Creek, N.Y. His art talent was developed here by his favorite teacher, Ms. Ives. Besides learning and doing well in school, he always had time for humor, instigating some good tricks on fellow students and the teachers. His humorous and creative activities were met with a bit of discipline and a great deal of laughter.

Immediately after graduation, he joined the Air Force and spent 20+ years in the radar and communication section. He served in South Carolina, New York, Puerto Rico, Japan, Johnson Island, Korea, and twice in South Dakota. While in Japan, he lived with a Japanese family and adopted a Japanese brother, Yoshi. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob spent the next 20+ years at Ellsworth AFB in the Fire Department. He is remembered there for his continual work with the young airmen as he supported their growth both professionally and personally. His belief is that each person needs to believe in and be okay with themselves before they can develop sustaining relationships or grow professionally. He modeled that belief thus enabled these young troops to grow incrementally as they embraced that same philosophy. He fulfilled his responsibilities to perfection, respecting others, and still had fun. No hill was too tough to climb as he helped those around him see the entire picture of life.

He married his soul mate Elizabeth Jane (Schneider) Bowers. They became as one in fulfillment of the words of Jesus in Mark 10 verse 8. This team strengthened and continued to grow over the next 46 years. Although distinctly different careers, and personalities, the core values, goals, growth, and end results were clearly articulated and enacted. To this union was born one son, Frank Leo Bowers. Frank added a great deal of depth to the union and perfected the team. Bob considered his grandchildren, Mason and Annabelle, as true treasures and watched proudly as they advanced toward adulthood.

Bob was always a busy man. He put his carpentry skills to work by building a house for his family and by his character he turned that house into a home. He built several other structures for family and friends including a hobby ceramic shop in the back yard. Family and friends received his creations as gifts — lawn ornaments, holiday designs, etc. His mechanical skills kept vehicles running or souped up for family and friends — including stock cars.

Bob appreciated and shared music of all types. He was able to play several instruments recreationally but is best known for his professional whistling and harmonica presentations. His collections of music genre includes classical, country, jazz, blues, and ethnical selections. He shared his appreciation of musicians and artists with anyone who visited or wanted to listen. His hunting skills kept the freezers full as well as supplied sufficient for neighbors. He worked with leather making all his own holsters and chaps. Bob enjoyed nothing better than hopping on one of his many motorcycles and going for a ride — over the hills or through the plains — he'd marvel at the beauty the Lord provided. Bob was an outstanding cook — creating many Asian dishes and preparing delectable buffets from the grill. His sensitivity was equitable in nurturing a little bird to life as it was tearing down old structures to utilize the wood for something new. Bob was not much on attending meetings but held membership in several organizations like the National Rifle Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, Air Force Sargents Association and The American Legion. The depth of Bob Bowers cannot be captured adequately in words.

Bob is survived by his wife, "Betty B"; son, Frank, grandchildren Mason and Annabelle. One sister Ruth Wells of New York, sisters-in-law Ramona Babl and Marie Ramold of O'Neill, Neb.; 48 nieces and nephews on Schneider side and nine on the Bowers side of the family; many great nieces and nephews, and scores of friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, his mother and father-in-law, Bridget Elizabeth and Leo Schneider; his sister Betty Waldron and her husband, Luke; sister Jeanie Murphy; In-laws Jim Schneider, Don Schneider, George Schneider, Tom Schneider, Gene Schneider, Andy Ramold, Wendel Babl; nephew Edward Babl, and Niece Joan Ramold Sintek;

Wake will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, Cathedral of our Lady of Perpetual Help, with a gathering of friends and family from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Drum and Bugle Corps at 6 p.m., a Firefighters presentation at Ellsworth Air Force Base at 6:20 p.m., a Catholic wake service at 6:40 p.m. and a Catholic rosary at 7:10 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Fr. Ed Vanorny presiding followed by military honors at the Cathedral.

A memorial has been established to the Western Resources for Independent Living, Adult Care Center.

Inurnment will be at a future date.