Don W. Bowers, 96, of Oppenheim, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, December 12, 2022, in the comfort of his home with his loving family by his side.
He was born on January 9, 1926, and was the son of the late Edson and Ella (Montana) Bowers. Don was educated at Dolgeville Central School and graduated with the Class of 1944.
On February 19, 1949, Don was united in marriage to Theresa M. Lawyer in Fort Plain, New York. The couple shared a loving union of 67 years when Theresa passed away on May 5, 2016.
Don was formerly employed as a road construction superintendent for Eastern Rock in Utica, New York, and retired on January 9, 1988, after many years of service. He also helped build Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School as well as the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department and an addition to the Oppenheim United Methodist Church.
He was a charter member and honorary member of the Oppenheim Volunteer Fire Department, Redmens Club, and a founding member of Spike Horn Hunting Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, gardening, camping, and making maple syrup. He truly cherished his family and loved spending time with them. He will be deeply missed by his family.
Don is survived by his loving children, Linda Duesler of Oppenheim, NY, John Bowers and his wife, Pamela of Oppenheim, NY, Carol Paul and her husband, John of Oppenheim, NY, Herbert Bowers and his wife, Linda of Oppenheim, NY and Patricia Luria and her husband, Jeffry of New Orleans, LA; 13 special grandchildren, 26 cherished great-grandchildren and an adored great-great-grandchild; a sister, Betty Aiello of Syracuse, NY; a sister-in-law, Marcia Bowers of Dolgeville, NY; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his wife, Theresa Bowers; brothers, Ed Bowers, Herb Bowers, and Dan Bowers; a sister, Esther Austin; a son-in-law, John Duesler; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. following the calling hours, with Pastor Matt Worley officiating. The Bowers Family will hold a reception immediately following the service at the Oppenheim Senior Center, 108 Tobacco Road, Dolgeville, New York (Town of Oppenheim). A spring graveside service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Rural Park Cemetery, in Inghams Mills, New York, with Rev. Dr. R. W. Williams officiating. All are welcome to attend.
The Bowers Family would like to thank Don’s special niece, Beth Ryan, RN, for her assistance with Don’s comfort, care, support, and love for him and the family.
They would also like to thank their special friend and Don’s long-time caregiver, Kelly Clemons, for all of her care and support for Don and his family over the last few years.
In addition, they would like to thank Brenda Lynch and Cheryl Lynch with their help with Don’s care this past year, as well as the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice of Fulton County.
Please consider memorial contributions for the Oppenheim United Methodist Church, c/o Linda Duesler, 6582 State Highway 29, St. Johnsville, New York 13452, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or visit their website, www.stjude.org to make an online contribution.
To leave a message of sympathy for the Bowers Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.