Paul Bernard Bowers

Mr. Paul Bernard Bowers, age 90, of Salem, died Monday, March 16 at St. Vincent Hospital in Salem.

Mr. Bowers was born March 21, 1929 in the Highland neighborhood of rural Salem, Indiana to Clarence and Myrtle Boggs Bowers.  On July 8, 1961, Paul was married to Martha Tegarden Bowers. 

Survivors include his wife:  Martha Bowers, daughters:  Jana Bowers and Carol Bowers (David Paquette), step-grandson:  Alex Paquette, and several nieces and nephews.  Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother:  Archie Bowers, and sisters:  Dorothy Brown, Marilyn Johnson, and Marietta Raymann Taylor. 

Paul was born in the home where his parents lived, in the middle of what would become Bowers Orchard.  He learned the family business from his father, and did homework under the watchful eye of his mother, often by the light of a kerosene lamp.  After graduating from Salem High School in 1946, Paul continued to work with his father until he felt the call of duty. Paul joined the Indiana National Guard in March of 1951, then went on active duty in March of 1953.  He was released from active duty two years later, remaining in the National Guard until February 1956.

Mr. Bowers grew up in the Highland United Methodist Church.  Later in life he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Salem, and finally Westview Christian Church.  Until his last years, Paul enjoyed learning many subjects, from engine repair, electrical and refrigeration installation, to woodworking, clock-making, sign painting, and raising all types of plants.  He passed on this love of learning to his daughters, as well as his sense of honesty, responsibility, and integrity.

Funeral services for Mr. Bowers will be held Saturday, March 21 at 1PM at Weathers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be Saturday from 10AM-time of service.

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