Donald "Johnny" Bowers

Johnny was born on October 21, 1936 to Otis and Thelma Bowers in Statesville, NC. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and served for 31 years. He was stationed in Erding, Germany; Savannah, GA; Madrid, Spain; Jacksonville, AR; Bossier City, LA; Udorn, Thailand (Vietnam War); Guam, USA and Hawaii. He returned to Bossier City to complete his career and retire as a Chief Master Sergeant. He logged an incredible 1638 combat flight hours during the Vietnam War on the "Cricket" Airborne Command and Control Aircraft. For most of his Air Force career he worked in the command post for Strategic Air Command. After retirement, he worked for Royale Airlines in Shreveport until they ceased operations. And finally, he worked for Southwest Gaming for many years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and target practice. Johnny was a coin collector, and a history buff.

He is preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, Ilona Contos Bowers; siblings, Cecil Bowers, Seldon Bowers, Willard Garfield Bowers, Mozelle Everhart, Lula Belle Kearns, Lena Grace Ayers, Ray Andrew Cline and Bonnie Kay Hines.

Johnny is survived by his sons, Ronald S. Bowers and Donald M. Bowers, of Bossier City, LA; granddaughter, Jennifer Garcia Ramirez, of Oakton, VA; and sister, Mae Lorene "Bootsie" Marcil, of Statesville, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Donald will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037 with services beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment with military honors will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park.