Joseph Michael Bowers passed away on December 7, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on December 22, 1960 in St. Louis, Missouri to Rose Bowers and the late Robert Bowers. He was a 1979 graduate of Cherry Creek High School in Centennial, Colorado. He continued on his education at Ohio State University and graduated in 1984. Joe earned a black belt in Karate at a very young age. After a tournament, he came home and broke down all the trophies and put them in a box. He had decided to dedicate his time to another sport, Men’s Gymnastics.
Joe started his gymnastics career as a freshman in high school. Coach Klanecky, his high school coach, noticed his strength and focus during gym class and convinced him to try gymnastics. He was the captain of the team earning 3rd place in all-around at the 1979 Colorado High School State Tournament and was awarded All American 3 years in high school. Joe was an All American in individual apparatus. Joe was offered scholarships to several different universities but chose Ohio State! He was a gymnast at Ohio State University from 1979-1984, lettering each year. He competed on vault, rings, highbar, floor exercise, pommel horse and parallel bars. NCAA Big 10 champ 1983 athlete and 1996 as a coach for Ohio State University Gymnastics.
He was an NCAA Big Ten Champion, won multiple awards as both an athlete and coach in gymnastics. Joe was recognized numerous times by the Ohio House of Representatives for his excellence and winning record as a gymnastics coach. He was a wonderful brother. He was an avid snow skier when he was younger, skiing the back bowls of Vail with his sister showing her up with his daring aerials. He was a kind, generous soul helping many to achieve their own personal greatness in life and in gymnastics. Joe was a member of the National Geographic Society (he was very proud of his NG magazine collection). He was a former member of University Hills Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado, USGF member and a PROUD BUCKEYE FOR LIFE.
Joe will be missed for his kind and generous soul. He was always positive, even when things looked dire. He was able to help people pick themselves up and encouraged them to make great achievements. His smile was infectious to everyone around him. He loved deeply. He loved people, and they loved him.
Joe will be deeply missed by his mother Rose Bowers; sister’s Pamela Clark and Jennifer (Jerry Twigg). He is survived by his nephews Robert Clark (Centennial, Co), Michael Clark (Seattle, WA), Gavin Twigg (Chicago, IL), and Jansen Twigg (Acworth, GA); and numerous cousins in Missouri, Texas and Florida. He is preceded in death by his father Robert Bowers; brother-in-law Ryan Clark and his pets Brody and Sassy.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM followed by a visitation from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Schoedinger Northwest; 1740 Zollinger Road Columbus, Ohio 43221. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to American Cancer Society or the Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colorado.
A special thank you to all his wonderful friends that watched over Joe during his illness. Each and every one of you held a special place in his heart. He had such wonderful words about all of his Ohio State University gymnastic friends. They were truly friendships that he cherished. A special thank-you to his wonderful neighbor Sam for always looking after Joe’s beloved dog Brody and aiding Joe with many needs. Not everyone who helped Joe can be listed here, but know that Joe and his entire family will forever be grateful for your love and caring of Joe. Thank you to Dr. Alfred Vargas and Dr Virginia who saw Joe through many trials during his illness. A very special thank you to Joe's "Ohio Family”, the Dent family. You loved Joe and he loved you.
Words from Joe: Written on July 29, 2019:
Hey! Hey! Stop all of the Grieving. Funerals are not about the Dead. They’re about the Living. We gather in ceremony; but, we talk to each other about the memories we have about our friend.
Both Good and Bad, We all have both. Celebrate the best of the Life who has passed. Tread not on their Faults. They Lived Their Life.
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