Minor G. Stowers

Minor Garland Stowers, 86, of Bland died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at his residence. Funeral service was held Sunday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Highland Bland Funeral Chapel with the Rev. John Blessing officiating. A graveside service was held Monday, Nov. 10, at noon at the Old Bethel Cemetery. He was born June 6, 1922, in Bland County, son of the late Thomas Maidan and Cannie "Perkey" Stowers. He was a retired equipment operator with the Virginia Department of Transportation and was a veteran of the U.S. Army from World War II. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Garland Wayne Stowers. Survivors include his wife, Frances Bales Stowers of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and Mary Stowers, Thomas and Ginger Stowers, all of Bland; four grandchildren, Tracie and Casey Havens, Mandy Jones, Bryan Meade, Meredith and Jeremy Ayers; four great-grandchildren, Nathan Ryan Jones, Olivia Grace Havens, Emily Grace Ayers and Jacob David Ayers; and numerous other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Home Health & Hospice, 544 N. Main Street, Rural Retreat, VA 24368; or the Bland County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 585, Bland, VA 24315. Highland Bland Funeral Chapel in Bland was in charge of the arrangements.