Harvey Russell (Russ) Bowermaster passed away at the home of his nephew, Dan Stephens on January 13, 2022. Russ was born January 22, 1928 in Jamestown, Ohio to Arthur Fred Bowermaster & Margaret Louise Gildow. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Erika Butzbach whom he met while deployed in Germany. Russ was the last surviving sibling of ten – Rufus, Eleanor Mae Funk, Laura Marie Bradley, Freda Funk, Arlene Ferguson, Phyllis Humphries, Beatrice (Bonnie) Stephens/Gilkerson, Reva Lou and Arthur Fred Jr. He is survived by nephews Roy Thomas (Patricia), Dan Stephens (Mary), niece Joni Stewart and many others.
Russ graduated from Ross Township High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Air Force where he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 20 years during WWII, Korea and Vietnam acquiring many commendations. He and Erika returned to Ohio, living in Gahanna until 1993 when they moved to Bradenton, Florida. He actively pursued accounting and business management education and retired from the State of Ohio after 17 years as State Accounting Administrator, serving under 3 different Governors and 6 Directors of the Office of Budget and Management. During his tenure, the statewide accounting system was revamped and computerized to provide up-to-date revenue and spending information. He was credited with reconciling the cash balances with both the State Auditor and State Treasurer for the first time in 10 years and received many commendations for his professionalism and thoroughness.
Russ loved travel, history, music and photography but his favorite hobby was raising roses. He began growing roses in 1965 eventually becoming a Master Rosarian. He served in many capacities for local Rose Societies in Ohio and Florida as well as the American Rose Society. He developed beautiful gardens and showed his roses, winning many trophies and ribbons. He went on to serve as a Judge all over the country and also consulted on the development of public gardens. He was also reportedly an excellent checker player.
A service will be held at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, Florida on Sunday, January 23rd. Interment with military honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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