Kenneth Richard Bowers, son of George and Phyllis (Livengood) Bowers, was born on February 3, 1925, at College Springs, Iowa. He passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at Garden View Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa, at the age of 84.
Growing up in the College Springs area, Kenneth graduated from Amity High School in College Springs with the Class of 1943. On July 18, 1944, Kenneth was inducted into the Army at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, during World War II. He served with Company B, the 180th Infantry Division, in Rhineland and Central Europe. On December 26, 1945, Staff Sergeant Bowers was honorably discharged at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. He was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon, two Bronze Service Stars, and a Purple Heart.
On September 22, 1945, Kenneth was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlyne Linquist in Omaha, Nebraska. They made their home in Essex, Iowa, following their marriage. They were blessed with four children, Rick, Lori, Tim and Keri. Kenneth attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville for two years. Kenneth was City Clerk of Essex before being appointed Postmaster in Essex, a position he held for many years. Throughout the years, Kenneth was active in the St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex, the Essex American Legion Post #333, the Shenandoah Elks Club, Essex Commercial Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Essex Fire Department. In his spare time Kenneth enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. Spending time at his cabin on Lake Okoboji brought great enjoyment to Kenneth.
Survivors include his four children, Rick Bowers and his wife Sonja of Lindenhurst, IL, Lori Bowers of Vernon Hills, IL, Tim Bowers of Essex, IA, and Keri Robb and her husband Randy of Mount Pleasant, IA; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother, Paul Bowers and his wife Carolyn of Oelwein, IA; two sisters, Delores Bragg of Braddyville, IA and Mary Lee Hixson and her husband John of Bella Vista, AR; other relatives and many friends.