May 6, 1948 – December 3, 2022
Gene Bowers was born on May 6, 1938, in McKenzie, Tennessee to Ernest Harold Bowers and Ella Frances Weldon Bowers. He spent his boyhood growing up in Gleason, Tennessee, Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated with honors from Lindberg High School where he played football and wrestled for the Lindberg Flyers. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a bachelor’s degree in Zoology. On the day of graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. He served in the Marine Corps for twenty-eight years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a decorated Viet Nam veteran. When he returned from Viet Nam, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California where he was a company commander. While on active duty in the Marines, he completed an MBA from the University of Oklahoma. Following his retirement from the Marines, he moved to Tallahassee and was employed by the State of Florida, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. He retired from the state in 2002.
Gene always enjoyed being out in nature hiking, hunting and fishing. Time spent with friends and family were highlights, always with much laughter and many stories of shared adventures. Family left to cherish his love, laughter and many fun times: Carol Bowers, wife of 30 years; son, Patrick Bowers (Debbie), son, Robert Bowers all of San Diego, California; stepson, P.J. Wade (Elizabeth) of Atlanta, Georgia, stepson, Tim Strickland (Cindy), stepdaughter Allison Chase (Mike) all of Tallahassee. Grandchildren, Maclean Bowers, Shelby Weston, Ben Strickland, Tyler Strickland, Andrew Wade, Robert Wade.
Funeral services will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Bowers family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17