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William J. Bowers

Bill Bowers

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William J. Bowers, age 73, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

Bill was born on November 27, 1947 in Somerset, son of the late J. William and Ruth A. (Trimpey) Bowers. He graduated from Lewistown HS and went on to the Pennsylvania State University earning a BS degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1969, where he was a member of the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, an honorary, professional society for students and industry professionals in the agriculture and natural resources fields. Bill worked for the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for 40 years, holding positions such as Project Engineer, Area Engineer, and State Conservation Engineer.  Bill has been a Professional Engineer since 1982.  He was honored with an Outstanding Alumnus College of Agricultural Sciences Award in 1999. Bill also participated in and served as president of NABEC and NRCS retirees.

Bill was predeceased in death by his brother, Donald Bowers of Indiana, PA.  Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Kauffman), of 52 years, married in Mt Joy on November 23, 1969.  He is also survived by his two daughters, Susan Pochet (Marc) of Royersford PA, and Amy Bowers (Casey Williams) of Albuquerque NM. Proud grandfather of two grandchildren, Emily Pochet of Lancaster and Ben Pochet of Philadelphia. Sister-in-law, Susan Bowers of Indiana PA, niece Heather Wivell (Dennis) of Tanneytown MD and nephew, Ryan Bowers of Archbald.

Family was at the core of Bill’s life. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as PawPaw.  He enjoyed watching Emily dance and golf and Ben compete in golf tournaments and other sporting events.  Bill and Mary Ann enjoyed travelling to visit Amy in NY, TX, and NM.  He especially loved planning the yearly family vacation where the entire family would gather and spend a week together in many interesting locations including Deep Creek, Bar Harbor, San Francisco, and Iceland. Bill and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling throughout the Northeast to attend NABEC every summer and renewing friendships. He also loved visiting with family at our yearly reunion.

A passion of his life was service to his faith. Bill was a dedicated member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, since 1981, where he served as chair of Governing Council, financial team, other committees, choir and coach of the youth volleyball team for 27 years where he was known as “Mr. Bill”.  He sang bass with the Mechanicsburg Ecumenical Choir for many years.

After retiring in 2008, Bill was able to dedicate himself to one of his true passions, gardening. Bill was in the Penn State Master Gardener Class of 2010 of Cumberland County. He was an active member on numerous committees including the Adams Ricci Butterfly Garden, Allen Road Gardens and Plant Clinic at the Fredricksen Library, as well as made notable past contributions to the Trial & Idea Gardens, Youth Committee programs and Garden Tour. He was also passionate about bluebirds for the last 40 years and was always willing to share information, give presentations, and would often give away bluebird houses.

Bill was a life-long fan of baseball (Pirates), Penn State Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and ping pong (family champion). He especially loved going to Pirates games once a year with a group of friends he lovingly called the “six old guys with glasses” group. 

A visitation will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 4685 Mt Zion Dr, Enola, PA 17025, Monday, November 22 from Noon to 2pm, which will be immediately followed by a Memorial Service at 2pm.  Friends and family are welcome.  Masks required.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church to establish a Prayer Garden or to the Penn State Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center (Att. Teah Batdorf), 500 University Drive CH 74, Hershey, PA 17033.

The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bowers family.

0 comments on “William J. Bowers”

  1. I thank Bill for all of the times he helped me through the musical notes at Mt. Zion Choir and his friendship through many sad moments in my life.

  2. To the Bowers family: Please accept my condolences on the passing of Bill. I worked with Bill at NRCS from 2006 to 2009 as the State Conservationist. He was a great asset to the State Leadership Team and to me personally as a friend and advisor. Bill was known throughout the NRCS organization as a very dedicated engineer and as person with high integrity and mentor to many NRCS individuals. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

  3. Years he was a project engineer in Washington PA went I came to PA in 1969 to 1981 and last saw him at the retiree’s meeting in Hershey PA.2019. a great man that will be missed by so many.

  4. Mary Ann and family,
    I’m so sorry to learn of Bill passing. He is gone too soon. He was one of my favorite managers as a HR manager and we always chatted about grandkids, Penn State football, and bluebirds. He gave me a trap to keep the house sparrows out of bluebird houses which I still use today. He also made wonderful presentations to Penn Cumberland Garden Club! He was truly a wonderful person with a loving family. He will be missed by so many. Bill, may you rest in peace.

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