Colonel Robert Lee Bowers, US Army (Ret.), age 69 of San Antonio, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, 10 April, 2019. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Colonel Bowers spent many years away from his birthplace, as the son of an Air Force officer, and then as an officer in the U.S. Army, himself. Colonel Bowers attended North Georgia College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was a member of REX (Sigma Nu) Fraternity. Following graduation, he commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army.
His military career included numerous challenging and rewarding assignments. During his 28 years on active duty, Colonel Bowers attended the Army Command and General Staff College; Army War College; Ranger Training; Intelligence Officer Advanced Course; and was both a student, and later, an instructor at the U.S. Army Intelligence School. He was a recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and five awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, among others. In addition to his many awards, Colonel Bowers also earned the right to wear a Master Parachutist Badge with a combat distinguishing device (Bronze Service Star); Air Assault Badge; Ranger Tab; Scuba Diver Badge; and, Army Staff Identification Badge.
Colonel Bowers commanded units from the company through the brigade levels and mentored generations of Army leaders. His duty stations included multiple tours of duty in Germany, a stint as the G-2 for the famed 101st Airborne Division, and later at the Pentagon, as the Chief of Force Development for the U.S. Army. For his last command, Colonel Bowers led the nation’s primary provider of ground intelligence as Commander, National Ground Intelligence Center. Upon retirement from the Army in April of 1999, he had a ten-year career with SAIC.
He is survived by his sons, Russell and Johnson Bowers, and their partners Rebecca Harvey and Hillary Fox. Both boys were deeply loved by Bob alongside his former spouse, Judi Bowers. He is additionally survived by his sister, Mary-Linton Napper; brother, John Bowers; and cousin Don Johnson along with their beautiful families. He is preceded in grace by his mother and father, and his brother, Steve Bowers. A funeral service with full military honors will be conducted 10:45 AM Friday, April 26th, 2019 at Fort Sam Houston. Following the memorial service, a reception to celebrate the life of Colonel Bowers will be held at the Army Residence Community, from 1-3 PM. Memorial contributions may be given to RAICES Texas, a non-profit dedicated to refugee and immigrant legal services, in lieu of flowers.
Colonel Robert Bowers was quick to offer a story, and a smile, to all who knew him, and even to a few who didn’t! He was a true patriot, and a cherished friend. He will be greatly missed.
Col. Robert Lee Bowers was a:
Soldier
United States Army, 1971 to 1999
Son
of Col. William R. and Mary B. Bowers
Father
of Russell and Johnson Bowers
Father -in-Law
of Rebecca Harvey
Brother
of Steve, Mary Linton, and John Bowers
Brother-in-Law
of Larry Napper, husband of Mary Linton, Cathy Bowers, wife of John, and Pam Bowers, wife of Steve
Uncle
of Mary Linton and Larry’s sons, David and Robert Napper
John and Cathy’s daughters, Katie and Johnnie Lee Bowers
Steve’s children Chrissy, Chandler, and Hillary Bowers, and half-sister, Paige Adair
Cousin
of Susan, Don, and Linton Johnson and Linda and Cynthia Johnson
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