Alfred L. Bowers

1921 - 2017

Alfred L. Bowers, 96, of Woodstock, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at his home.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, July 16 at 4 p.m. at Valley Pike Church of the Brethren. Pastor Jonathan Fletcher will officiate.

Burial will be private in the church cemetery.

He was born June 23, 1921, the son of the late Albert Cornelious and Ida Good Bowers.

Alfred was a life-long farmer raising Angus cows until just a few years ago. His fields yielded food for those cows and his abundant gardens filled his table, freezer and cellar every year.

During his long years, he also built houses with his brother and son, participated in disaster relief and rebuilding and enjoyed fishing on the Chesapeake Bay.

Many squirrels found their way to the pot pie dish. Maybe they were after the black raspberries Alfred found every year.

Valley Pike was his church home after he married Ethel Irene Ryman Bowers in 1946. They faithfully served the Lord together there until she passed away in May of 2014. Alfred had continued to attend, worshipping, learning and hugging. He missed Ethel so much after she left.

Predeceasing him also were his son, Larry Bowers; two sisters; one brother; and a nephew and wife.

Surviving are his son, Wayne (Debbie) Bowers of Woodstock, daughter-in- law, Ellen Bowers of Maurertown; sister, Belva Guard of Woodstock; grandsons, Jason Bowers, Adam (Megan) Bowers, Aaron (Jessica) Bowers, and Alan Bowers; and granddaughter, Connie (Matt) Morris, who all loved him so much and will miss him enormously.

Also surviving are two great grandsons; four great granddaughters; one niece, Diane (Scott) Ackerman of Utah; two great nephews, Jeff and Tim Bowers of Florida; one great great nephew in Florida; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ryman; and niece, Shirley (Doug) French and family also survive.

Honorary pallbearers will be Guy Gochenour, Kenny Hamrick, Zip Zimmerman, Wesley Stinson, Doug French, Dean Fadely, Wayne Hottel, Carroll Hockman, Steve Copp, Marshall Robinson, Melvin Racey, Paul Hockman, Fred Bauserman and Dan Hottel.

There will be a meal at the church following the service when the family will also receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Valley Pike Church of the Brethren (Disaster Fund), P.O. Box 215, Maurertown, VA. 22644.

A friend has said, "You couldn't say a bad word about Alfred Bowers". Another said there was a time that only Alfred would go to the house of an elderly man who needed help taking a bath. No one else would go.

Those of us who knew and loved Alfred are left to grieve our loss while remembering his special part in our own lives. We will weep, while also thinking and pondering all the memories-the good, great, sad, devastating, many memories. "Tom" the cat will miss him too.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy - Psalm 126:5

Online condolences may be left at http://valleyfs.com

Arrangements are in the care of Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch.

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