THE PLAINS- Robert E. Bowser, Sr., 80, of The Plains, passed away peacefully on July 29, at his home surrounded by his five children who loved him dearly.
He was born on October 25, 1943 to the late Earl C. and Elsie (Burris) Bowser. After graduating from Logan Elm High School in Circleville, Ohio, he joined the US Army where he served three years in Germany as a mechanic. Bob met his future wife while working at McBee’s in Athens. He retired from B&O Railroad/CSX and was a member of Constitution Lodge 426 F&AM.
His family will always remember him as a happy, patient, and calm man who could fix anything. He had a passion for trains, NASCAR, playing Euchre with his brother and friends, restoring old cars, and doing whatever he could for his family. His beloved 1966 Chevy Impala, driven by his son, will be first in the procession as Bob takes his final journey.
He is survived by his five children, Layna (Dan) Rodgers of Chauncey, Cathy (John) Matthews of Athens, Jayne Hart of Athens, Jacque (Jay) Henry of Mineral Wells, WV, and Bob (Stephanie) Bowser, Jr. of The Plains; thirteen grandchildren that he had a very special relationship with, Lydia Rodgers (Robert), Lacey (Troy) Sorrel, Danny Rodgers Jr., Jack (Lindsay) Matthews, Clay (Casey) Matthews, Jeremiah Shields, Darci Shields (Phil), Dia Shields, Jeff (Spring) Henry, Jason (Josie) Henry, Lakyn, Isabella, and Braxton Bowser; 16 great grandchildren who adored him, Ethan Klinebriel, Kenny Pickering, Daisie and Sadie Smith, Rowan, Emma and Kora Matthews, Riley McCollister (Jason), Haley Shields and Makinley Shields, Malachi Radcliff, Hudson, Aurora and Baker Vogt, Daris and Jett Henry; 2 great, great grandchildren, Magnolia and Joanna McCollister and a baby boy due in October. He is also survived by his siblings, Jim (Marcia) Bowser of Athens, Lillian (Dave) Collins of Athens, and Lois (Tom) Graham of California.
Besides his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Stotts) Bowser, and a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Don Replogle. In addition, he was preceded in death and also survived by numerous Stotts family relatives. He spent so much time with them and was a big part of this family over the past 54 years.
The family wishes to thank friends and family for their love and support and Shrivers Hospice for their excellent care, most notably Deanna, Jeri, and Penny. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shrivers Hospice, 2052 East Pike Zanesville, Ohio 43701.
Funeral service will be conducted Thursday, August 1st, at 4:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Pastor Owen Stotts officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hermon Cemetery, Bern Township. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Constitution Lodge 326 F&AM will hold masonic services at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
