Ray Bowers Obituary

Ray William Bowers

Ray William Bowers, 78, was born Saturday, October 12, 1946, in Lima to the late Dale and Edna (Rhodes) Bowers. Ray joined the US Navy and served on three Aircraft carriers (1966-1969). Ray passed Monday, April 21, 2025, at Bridge Hospice Care Center. He married Pamela Brookwalter on October 10, 1970. They celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Ray was a member of Allen County Sheriff's Dept. serving in the Mounted Posse. He was a member of the United Sheet Metal Workers Union, working for 20 years. He was involved in coaching baseball, football, basketball, and playing softball, as well as running the scoreboard at Vanlue basketball games for many years. Ray was involved at the Hancock County Fair, showing draft horses, ponies and even a donkey. He loved the Browns, Buckeyes and Reds. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting but especially loved watching his grandkids play sports, and watching their school programs. He attended West Independence Church.

He is survived by his wife, Pam; two sons, Eric (Angie) and Jarrod (Shanell); daughter-in-law, Pam (Rodney, deceased) Bowers; sister, Joyce (Ronnie) Roeder; 14 grandchildren, and five5 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Shane William; his brother, Marion; and sister, Roberta; and great-grandson, Mason Lee.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at West Independence Church Saturday, with Pastor Ben Wallick officiating. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME and for one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery.

In memory of Ray's time and service to the Vanlue Community Park, all memorials can be directed to the park via Vanlue Community Organization.

Online condolences can be shared by visiting coldrencrates.com.