William Clyde Bowers Sr.

BIG BAY, MI - William Clyde Bowers, Sr., age 91, of Big Bay, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home, in the loving, comforting care of his family.
Bill was born June 18, 1934, in Marquette, a son of William and Lavon (Poquette) Bowers. He grew up in Big Bay where he, early in life, developed a strong work ethic, a love of the woods, and all that nature had to offer. His early years were filled with hunting, fishing, and trapping adventures in the great outdoors. At age 14, he moved to Lower Michigan where he worked on the oil rigs. Having developed a love of music, especially the bass guitar, Bill also formed his own band. Subsequent employments included driving truck hauling iron ore to the Soo Locks and working as foreman for Bechtel Construction Company. On February 12, 1970, Bill was united in marriage to Pam Cram and together the couple made their first home in Big Bay. The couple with son, Bill Jr, relocated to Montana for the next 16 years where Bill was employed building new homes. Eventually, Bill and Pam returned to Big Bay in 2003, purchasing her parent's home and rebuilding it to suit their needs. Over the years, Bill exhibited his inventive, creative, and artistic skills through various projects. He loved music, played bass guitar, formed bands, enjoyed singing, and found special pleasure in jam sessions with his children and friends. While residing in Lower Michigan, Bill even had his own radio show and his bands performed in a variety of venues. A craftsman who was meticulous in whatever he crafted, Bill even purchased a kit to build his own airplane while living in Montana. He purchased land for the runway, assembled the parts and added his own revisions. When it came time for the initial inspection, the inspector informed Bill that he had never, ever, passed an airplane on the first inspection. Well, then came another first as the inspector couldn't find a single item that wasn't completed properly, and boy did he look that plane over with a fine tooth comb. When it came to carpentry, Bill was just as meticulous and a woodworking craftsman, building all of his home's oak furnishings. In retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening and feeding the deer that frequented his yard.
A loving husband and father, Bill is survived by his wife, Pam; sons, William (Elizabeth) Bowers, Jr, Jerry Bowers; daughter, Arlene (Phillip) Zalnirek; and several grandchildren; half-sister, Diane (Joe) Abraham; half-brother, Pat (Mary Beth) Bowers; many nieces, and nephews. In-laws on the Cram side include Hiram Cram, Mary (Bert) Bowers, Nora Cardinal, Joe (Kathy) Cram, Joyce Cram, and Rick Deichelbor.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a son, Robert Bowers; daughter-in-law, Pam Bowers; and brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Ann Bowers. Cram family members who passed include Jack Cram, Fritz Deichelbor, Nancy Street, and Cobb Cardinal.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Condolences may be expressed, and an obituary viewed, online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com