Obituary of Kennard R. Bowers
Kennard R. Bowers, age 89, of the Town of Lee, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2024, at the Wynn Hospital in Utica.
Ken was born in Freeport Ill. on January 8, 1935 to the late Francis and Edith Miles Bowers. As a young boy, his family moved to Dixon, IL where he graduated from Dixon High School in 1954. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in Austria and Germany. Upon his return home, he was united in marriage to the former Linda Stackhouse on March 16, 1957. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Syracuse University. Ken took a position at Madison Oneida BOCES where he taught construction and cabinet making. In 1979, he left BOCES and started Bowers and Sons Hardwood Lumber.
After retirement, Ken enjoyed working in his shop making furniture and boats. He was a member of the Ava Hilltop Church as well as the Lee Center American Legion. He loved fishing Walleyes. Baseball was the single sport he has enjoyed his entire life. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals since he was young following in his father's footsteps. He was a life member of the NRA and had great admiration for President Ronald Regan.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Linda; daughters, Wendy (Larry) Palinski, and Melissa (Ray) Rotenberry; sons, Randy (Linda) Bowers, Todd Bowers(Shelly) and Jonas (Garilee) Bowers; grandchildren, Christopher Palinski, Megan (Eric) Tyler, Danielle (Shawn) Finster, Joshua Bowers(Morgan), Hannah Rotenberry (Tyler), Emily Rotenberry (Jason), Rachel (Chris) Hall, Sarah (Max) Edwards, Noah Bowers(Marissa), Jacob, Jude; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Sandra (William) Kelly; and several nieces and nephews.
Ken's funeral with military honors will be held on Thursday at 10AM at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ava Hilltop Church.
Please offer online condolences at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com.