Gary D. Bowers

Gary was born in Garden City, MI on May 31, 1946 to George and Mildred Merrel. Around the age of 7, he and most of his 12 brothers and sisters went into foster care. At the age of 9 he was adopted by Leonard and Angeline Bowers of Topeka, Kansas. He instantly gained three sisters and a new family.

Gary left home in his late teens and joined the US Marines 3rd division where he eventually became a Lance Corporal and received a Purple Heart Medal. He went to work at KU Medical Center in the maintenance department until he retired.

Gary loved fishing, gardening, camping, traveling and many recreational vehicles that he rode on their 10 acres in Louisburg, MO. Gary and Norma spent a lot of time at the Senior Center in Buffalo, MO playing cards with friends, helping Norma with craft shows, senior parties and dinners and his favorite activity singing in the jam sessions with friends.

Gary was married to Norma for 36 years and they joined traveling, camping, and family get togethers.

Gary was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Leonard and Angeline Bowers of Topeka, KS, his adoptive sister Margaret Bowers, and his biological brother Ronny.

He did not have any biological children of his own, but he embraced his wife’s 4 children.

Gary is survived by his wife Norma Bowers of Independence, MO and her four children. He is also survived by his adopted sister Betty Scheibe of New Jersey and Ruth Coville of New Jersey.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 7th at 8:30am, funeral service at 9:30am, burial to follow at Higginsville Veteran’s Cemetery, Higginsville, MO.