Cody Bowers

Cody James Bowers, 34, passed away in Pleasant Hill, IA in January 2025, due to complications from liver disease. He was born to Julie Sanchez (Bowers) on June 19, 1990, in Cedar Rapids, IA.
At the age of 3, Cody and his mother moved to Des Moines, IA. Shortly after, (Ray) Dean Stamper entered his life. Cody knew him as Dad and when he was 11 years old, Dean adopted Cody, making it official. The family moved to Pleasant Hill, Iowa in 1999, and Cody became a part of the 4th grade class at Pleasant Hill Elementary School. Cody was an active child with an adventurous spirit. He enjoyed anything thrilling, whether it be thrill rides or finding new hills to jump his bicycle, or by creating mischief with his friends. The family vacationed to Georgia, Hawaii and Colorado. While vacationing he was able to enjoy parasailing and white river rafting.
He shared a strong connection with his grandfather and enjoyed his time with him. They shared insightful conversations, but lighter ones that ended in shared laughter, as they played chess or a number of other activities. During his childhood, Cody had a ferret, hamsters and fish. However, Cody's strongest connection was to the cats and dogs the family kept. In general, you could find two dogs and two cats at Cody's home. The family generally kept two dogs and two cats. It was with the dogs and cats that Cody had the strongest bond. At the time of his passing, Cody's strongest and most loving connection was to his two cats (Paul and Loki), but most notably, the bond he shared with his Husky, Mya. He adored her and took her everywhere he could with him. She was well-known and loved by many people in Cody's life. Her well-being was priority above his own and he kept her on a diet consisting of raw meat, vegetables and berries. He did the research and carefully formatted what was to be her daily caloric intake.
Although the relationship with his own companions was powerful, he felt for all animals, domesticated or not. He was sensitive to them and spoke up when he suspected abuse and/or suffering of any by the hands of a human. In general, that connection was stronger to them than to most humans. However, he did have a select group of people he connected with. The bonds were strong, and many of those relationships were intact at the time of his passing.
At a young age, Cody found an energy outlet through athletics. Although he participated in other athletics, Cody found his biggest calling in soccer. He had drive and determination and trained very hard both on and off the field. Beginning on recreational teams, Cody began playing with the West Des Moines Soccer Club when he was 11 years old. He would be the starting center mid-fielder for the Club's "Rebels" team until he aged out his Senior year of High School. He was a four year Varsity starter for his school. He tried out and was placed on the Iowa Olympice Development team roster, reserved only for the best players in the state. He was recognized by multiple All-Conference and All-State awards and attracted attention from multiple colleges. On February 15, 2008 he was honored when inducted into the East High School Hall of Fame. His picture plaque hung along the other inductees on the walls of East High School for many years.
John Sanchez came into his life at the age of 16 and was there for him until the end of his life. He provided love and support even when Cody's health was declining. He was there for him no matter what. Cody saw him as a father figure in his adulthood and trusted him completely. Cody has step sister through John, Lindsay Poulos, who has three beautiful boys and lives in Mason City, Iowa.
He graduated from East High School in 2008. He accepted a full ride scholarship from Grand View College in Des Moines, IA and was a starting player there on the soccer team. He continued to play in leagues around Des Moines, both indoor and outdoor, until his knee and ankle prevented him from it. He then picked up disc golfing and enjoyed it the rest of his short life.
From the age of 5, Cody was an avid reader and reserved much of his quiet moments for this purpose. He really enjoyed fantasy fiction with the Harry Potter series being at the top during his school years. Since graduating, Cody devoured everything from his familiar fantasy fiction, to motivational self-help books, and everything in between. He called himself an "information geek" and looked for information online that he could really dig into. He didn't have any one interest. He had a good memory and a quick mind. It could be in any random moment he would start a sentence with "did you know" when he would give you information found on trivia boards.
Cody loved cooking shows, Batman, Peeky Blinders, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and a lot in between. He watched many documentaries. He wasn't selective about what he found interesting. He liked learning. He was an avid sports fan, a long-time fan of the Chiefs and the Manchester United soccer team. He cherished his sister, Ireland. He made certain she knew it. He often reminded her that he would always be there for her for anything. Cody valued his friends and loved to spend time with them.
Cody spent most of his adulthood working in the service industry. However, did not see himself continuing that for his lifetime. He wanted the opportunity to learn a trade he could make a career with and got that opportunity with Golden Rule the Summer of 2024. He was to train as a plumber. He was going to go the distance with it and saw himself remaining there long-term. He lost a friend while going through the program and was unable to continue. Despite this, he made a lasting impression and got the call only a couple months later that they wanted to consider him for re-hire.
Cody had just completed a series of interviews with Golden Rule when he got sick. Golden Rule did decide to bring him back. He was to start in the February and continue his training to be a Plumber. Cody wore many hats. He had friends and family that loved him, a love that he returned. He had many people who loved him. He looked forward to his potential re-hire at Golden Rule and was happy when he was hired back. He was a beloved friend, son, grand-son and brother. He made a lasting impact on many. He will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
Cody's Celebration of Life will be held from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at The Venue in Valley Junction, 209 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA. His service will begin at 11:00 AM, with food and beverages to follow. All who knew Cody are invited to join the family in honoring his life. Because Cody's Kansas City Chiefs will be playing in the Super Bowl that day, Chiefs attire is encouraged for those who have it. Flowers can be sent to 2501 35th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Please join us for food and beverages following the service.
Cody was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Darrell Bowers; great-grandmother, Geneva Gass; and beloved dogs; Zeppelin, Chase, Sicily and Mater. He is survived by his mother, Julie (John) Sanchez; sister, Ireland Sanchez; step-sister Lindsay (Chris) Poulos; grandmother, Anne Bowers; father, Ray Dean Stamper; other relatives; and many friends. To send flowers to the family of Cody, please visit our floral store.