Donald Wayne Bowers was born the son of George Everett Bowers and Empo Lucille Childers Bowers, on November 17, 1945 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and departed this life on June 18, 2019 at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 73 years.
He was united in marriage to Janet K. Rhoades on September 17, 1971 at the Couch United Methodist Church in Couch, Missouri.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Bowers, of the home in Thayer, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Phyllis Adams of Thayer, Missouri; one brother-in-law, Wayne Rhoades of Nixa, Missouri; his father-in-law, Hosea Rhoades of Thayer; one close former sister-in-law, Nancy Bowers Hurtt; ten nieces and nephews, Jeff Bowers and wife, Carrie, of Virginia, Jason Bowers and wife, Shelby of Thayer, Aaron Bowers of Thayer, Kim Carr and husband, Darren, of Thayer, Carolyn Edwards and husband, Sam, of Thayer, Rhnea Adams and fiancé, Jason Oakes, of Thayer, Matt Adams and wife, Mandy, of Viola, Arkansas, Tim Rhoades of Nixa, Missouri, Jason Rhoades and wife, Sherry, of Thayer and Chris Rhoades of Tulsa, Oklahoma; fourteen great nieces and nephews, Lauren and husband Cory, Paige, Jordan, Allye, Hannah, Alisha, Kayla, Samantha, Crystal, Jake, Madelynn, Maylee, Hayden, Graham and Hadley; two great-great nephews, Chase and Landon Godwin; other relatives and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Empo Bowers; two brothers, Carl and Paul Bowers; one sister, Janice Bowers Todd; his mother-in-law, Anna Rhoades; one sister-in-law, Jane Rhoades; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Todd and Bud Adams; his paternal and maternal grandparents; one great nephew, Jerrod Carr; and one great niece, Nerissa Bowers.
Don was a humble and gentle Christian man. He accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of sixteen years at the Kings Point Methodist Church. He attended Thayer School, graduating in 1963. Don was a heavy equipment operator doing custom dozing for approximately thirty years. He was well known for his excellent work. He loved the country life. He owned a farm, raising beef cattle and hay. He looked forward to the spring to start the hay season.
Don was a deeply loved, devoted Christian, husband, uncle, brother and a friend to all. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Richard Robinson and Brother Todd Williams officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 10:00 AM until the service time.
Interment will be held at the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Gideon’s International or Samaritans Purse.