Max G. Bowser Sr.

1923 - 2010

Max G. Bowser, Sr. December 5, 1923 - November 1, 2010 Born in Bakersfield to George and Annabel Bowser, Max attended Standard Elementary and Kern High School where he excelled in water sports (swimming and water polo). He was a second generation Californian whose family homesteaded in the Rio Bravo area. He was a Gunnery Sergeant in the Marines serving his country proudly in World War II while stationed in the South Pacific from 1941 to 1945. He fought in Tarawa and Saipan and again in Okinawa, Japan. After retiring, he was active in VFW post 10859 working tirelessly to raise funds for families of armed forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Distributing poppies around Veterans Day was a cause very near to his heart as was the annual pancake breakfast and many other fund raising events that provided scholarships to schools in this area. After being honorably discharged in 1945, he went to work for Rheingold Beer and, soon after, started his own Kern Display Company where he was able to put his artistic talent to work. He made wonderful lifelong friends in the 40+ years in the industry and remained close with many of them. Max was also a member of E Clampus Vitus, a historical group that spent many weekends dedicating memorial sites. He was also a member of their band that played at these events and at Little Bit of Germany, which was one of his favorite spots. An avid fisherman, fly fishing in Bishop was an activity he cherished. Every year the family vacation included two weeks in the Bishop area and weekends were spent at Lake Isabella. Max was preceded in death by his mother and father; his beloved wife, Alma; and daughter, Jeanne. He is survived by daughters, Judy Bowser (Greg), Diane Sanchez, Barbara Bowser and son, Max Bowser, Jr. along with numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friend, Diane Yancey; and his constant companion, his dog, Annie. A special thank you to Optimal Hospice, Jim Lopez and Diane Yancey who have been a constant source of comfort during this difficult time. Also, La Mina Mexican Restaurant for their assistance in accommodating our family and friends. Services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 6, with a graveside service to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Bob Ruiz, Myke Ruiz, Max Bowser, Raul Sanchez, Dawn Sanchez and Dustin Parker. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VFW post 10859, Optimal Hospice or the Alpha Canine Sanctuary of Bakersfield. www.bakersfield.com/obits