Mark T Bowers

To know Mark was to know how to love, and man, did he love big! There are not enough words to write what he meant to many so we will try and use his favorite philosophy “KISS” (Keep It Simple Stupid). He had many adventures in his lifetime, but his favorite ones were spent with his best friend and wife of 41 years, Sue. His proudest accomplishment was his two daughters and his beautiful grandchildren. When his grandson was born, after four granddaughters, Mark thought he would finally have someone to side with him and he wasn’t wrong. He was a man of high intelligence, integrity and one of the funniest/wittiest people you could meet. He was a big prankster, always saying “gotcha!” He never knew a stranger, gave unsolicited advice and was the handiest man you'd ever hope to meet. He always had a solution -- even if it meant looking one up on YouTube. Who else is going to miss those email threads?! He was a proud veteran serving 6 years in the US Air Force earning the rank of staff sergeant, before transitioning to civilian life. Mark talked passionately about politics, loved his Costco runs and was a bourbon connoisseur. When asked about a bucket list he said he didn’t have one as he spent his life making memories and having experiences, valuing these over worldly possessions. Sue loved all their adventures, but the most memorable trip was when they went to Alaska and went on a whaling expedition where they enjoyed a rare sighting of a school of humpback whales and orcas together. Kate will miss the love of Long’s donuts and laughing their heads off watching Mr. Bean. She will remember her father in the small things, such as enjoying an “old fashion” or snacking on peanut brittle. Laura will miss the daily phone calls in which hours of advice were given each morning in her commute to work or when she had a quiet moment. He was her sounding board when things got hard, her biggest cheerleader and a best friend. He instilled in her a love for cars, “good” music and always saying "yes" to adventure. Mark taught the girls to plan and one of his favorite sayings was, “your lack of planning does not constitute and emergency on my par.” He taught them to learn from mistakes, but it's even better if you can learn from someone’s else mistakes. His love of good food lead Mark and Sue from fancy restaurants like Geraldines to favorite little “holes in the wall.” He took the trips, he found adventures, rode everything that was fast from roller coasters to racing his Ninja 650 and joy riding his Tiger 1050. He wanted to leave this journey not in a well-preserved body but rather to skid into the grave sideways saying “Holy Shit… what a ride!” Most of all, Mark loved the Lord and was always eager to lead people to Jesus. This varied from serving at teen challenge in the mountains, working with the youth in vacation bible school or even sharing the gospel with those who would knock on the door. I believe we could all agree and say he accomplished that until his last breath where he was surrounded by his loved ones as he peacefully entered into Heaven's gates. He leaves behind his service dog Sadie, many dear friends, family: his wife of 41 years Sue Bowers; his pride and joy of two daughters: Katie Shaughnessy, Laura Gremore (Stefan); and 6 grandchildren who he would have given the world for: Chloe, Annalise, Jilliana, Addison, Gabriel and Lucille. Among many other “adopted” family to name, because we all know after one visit; you were practically family! A visitation for Mark will be held Monday, February 13, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Following the visitation will be a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Bowers family.