Maj. Alan W. Bowers (Ret.)

ROYALSTON- On December 12, 2024, Alan Bowers passed away peacefully at the Odd Fellows Home in Worcester, MA.
He was born in Royalston, MA on February 26, 1937 to William and Lillis (Wilcox) Bowers. After graduating from Athol High School in 1955, Alan became an apprentice tool maker at General Electric in Pittsfield, MA. He then joined the officer candidate training program of the United States Air Force in 1957, and upon graduation, he continued his promising career in the B-47 and B-58 programs as a navigator bombardier. Alan married his high school sweetheart, Theresa (Wedluga) on January 30, 1960 and they had three children. In 1971 he graduated from Penn State University with a BA and MS in computer sciences.
The trajectory of his career, and his life, radically changed in Vietnam on September 17,1972 when he ejected from an OV-10 aircraft, plummeted through the jungle canopy, and broke his back. After being hospitalized for 18 months at the Chelsea Naval Hospital he returned to his family in Athol, MA and retired from the Air Force as a Major in 1974. During his career, they lived in Idaho, Indiana, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Florida, finally settling back in his hometown of Royalston, MA.
After his injury, Alan dedicated his life to public service. His family often lovingly referred to him as a "professional do-gooder." He was active as the Monadnock Council President of the Boy Scouts of America; a Paul Harris Fellow of the Athol-Orange Rotary Club; Chairman of the Board of the Athol Memorial Hospital; and Chairman of the Board of the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. He was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans.
His primary focus was the DAV, holding offices at the local, state and national level. One of his proudest moments was being elected to the office of National Commander of the DAV for the year 2003-2004. He also held the position of Treasurer for the DAV National Service Foundation. Despite his physical limitations, whenever asked the question "How are you, Alan?" his response was always "Mostly Magnificent!" His broad smile confirmed that he meant just that.
Alan was the author of On Duty, a 5-volume series honoring local vets, from all walks of life, that had served during U.S. conflicts. By documenting their experiences, his contribution as a writer assured that their stories were not lost to history. A passionate advocate for veterans, he would travel to Washington, DC every February to testify and lobby before Congress for veteran's rights.
An avid, self-taught woodcarver, he lovingly created a yearly Christmas carving for his wife, and special hand-carved gifts for his children throughout the years. He enjoyed gardening, moving dirt, building rock walls and being outdoors. When he was not digging in the dirt you would often find him indoors, on the floor, playing with his grandchildren.
Genealogy fascinated him! Al would travel many miles to meet with a village town clerk, or visit an old cemetery, to find that missing piece of information. His enthusiastic research resulted in recognition from the Mayflower Association certifying that five of his ancestors had arrived on the Mayflower.
He leaves the love of his life and wife of 65 years: Theresa (Wedluga); sons: William (Teresa) of NC and Richard of PA; daughter, Diane Thompson (Richard) of VT; sister; Nancy LaFortune (Don) of FL; 6 grandchildren, Justine Miller, Cara Bowmore, Kayla Bowers, Mary Anna Thompson, Grace Thompson and Clayton Thompson; and 3 great-grandchildren, Beau Miller, August Bowmore and Sonny Miller.
Calling hours Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 5-7 p.m at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main St., Orange, MA
Funeral Mass Thursday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol, MA followed by burial at the Mass. Veteran's Cemetery, 11 Glenallen St., Winchendon, MA at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in honor of Alan Bowers to:
DAV National Service Foundation, 860 Dolwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018
Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
Guest book online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
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