Richard A. Bowers

Richard Alvin Bowers, 92, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, went peacefully to live eternally with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 22, 2020 at the Davis Hospice Center.
Richard was born on July 28, 1927 to Lester and Mary (Cox) Bowers in Barberton, Ohio. He served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theater and occupation of Korea, earning the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal – Japan.
Richard married Kathleen LaVonne Judy on Sept. 6, 1952 in Barberton, and they were blessed with two children, Gary Dale in 1961 and Linda Kay in 1962. Richard loved his wife dearly and sacrificially. The couple were known for their wonderful treatment of each other, always holding hands, enjoying each other’s company, and setting a great example for their children and grandchildren. Family was very important to Richard. He cherished the time he was able to spend with them and loved to reminisce about those special visits and trips together.
In 1958, Richard was the first male nurse to graduate from Akron University, earning his bachelor’s degree. He then pursued a 25-year career with the Veteran’s Administration (VA) as a Nurse Administrator. This career took the family all across the United States. They lived in five different states during his employment with the VA, while Richard helped to establish the Nursing Home program within the VA. After retirement from the VA, Richard and Kathleen moved to Palm Harbor, Florida for 20 years where he worked at staff nursing positions, while they enjoyed the wonderful weather and travel opportunities.
Richard and Kathleen enjoyed living in so many different locations. Richard was very personable and made friends wherever he went. The couple always took advantage of exploring new sights and places. Camping was also a favorite activity for the family.
His church and his relationship with the Lord were also essential components of Richard’s life. He was always an active member of his church, in every place he lived, serving as Elder, Deacon, music leader and even interim Pastor. He also filled the role of counsellor and chaplain at several of the hospitals where he worked.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Bowers, and a granddaughter, Kristin Barrett. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kathleen Bowers of Cheyenne, WY; sister Wauneta Richey of Barberton, OH; brother Donald Bowers of North Canton, OH; sister-in-law Barbara Judy of Santa Maria, CA; children Gary (Shauna) Bowers of Sheridan, WY and Linda (James) Barrett of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren Danielle (Samuel) Bayliss of Story, WY, Kristi (Eric) Holifield of Sheridan, WY, Joshua (Roger) Barrett of Chèvres, Belgium, Kimberly (Daniel) Buller of Hastings, NE, Holly (Andrew) Fauth of Sheridan, WY, Paul Bowers of Denver, CO, Nathan (Ashley) Barrett of Dunnellon, FL and Larissa Barrett of Port Charlotte, FL.; great grandchildren Tristan, Riley & Caroline Holifield of Sheridan, WY and Benjamin, Sophia, Emma & Noah Buller of Hastings, NE. He was dearly loved and will be missed every day!
A memorial service will take place this summer in Sheridan, Wyoming. Donations in memory of Richard Bowers may be made to the Davis Hospice Center, 6000 Sycamore Rd., Cheyenne, WY 82009. The family is so grateful for the wonderful, personal care given to Richard during the four months he lived at the Davis Hospice Center!