Jerry Gene Bowers of Willard, Missouri passed away August 15, 2024 with loving family at his side. Jerry was born to Frank and Mae Bowers on October 17, 1934. He was the middle child in the large family of 4 boys and 3 girls. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah and grandson, Braxton Bowers, along with one brother, Jim, and three sisters; Beulah Dinwiddie, Betty Taylor, and Barbara Maher. He is survived by brothers Jake and Pepper. Jerry is also survived by his only child, Jeff and his wife Brenda; grandchildren Brandon and his family; Shantia Bowers; step-granddaughters Amy Tracy and her family; and Alayna Garrett.

Jerry married Sarah Turk of Ash Grove on August 18th, 1956. They co-founded and ran Ed's Dairy Sweet on Jackson Street, across from the Willard High School from 1962-69. He was a proud member of the Willard Lions Club in the 60's and 70's. He loved football, and was a high school football referee those same years, and received a perfect rating one year. He retired from the Frisco Railroad after 36 years of service. He told of countless shenanigans he and his co-workers played on one another.

He was best known for his jokes, his chili, and his ability to fix anything. He loved spending time with his family and spent countless hours with them fishing on Table Rock Lake and enjoying their lake house at Cape Fair. He often said he didn't remember catching any fish, but had a lot of stories to tell. You would never find him without a piece of candy to give to children he would see, after asking their Mom if it was okay. He enjoyed watching the St Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a faithful Baptist and appreciated his many blessings from the Lord.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, with Funeral Service following at 10:00 at the Klingner Cope Funeral Home at White Chapel; 5234 W. State Hwy EE. Springfield, MO. Committal service will be in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery following funeral service.

Wish I knew what you were thinking
From what I see, you must be dreaming
The man fights on
His will is not gone
Wish I could walk beside you
In that place I know I'd find you
Walking with your brother
In the kitchen with your mother
The man fights on
Determination strong
You still look tough as nails
You're working on those rails
Tools always in your hand
Wiring something together makes you glad
When I sat in your favorite chair
I said "I'll move"
You said "no, stay there."
In the morning you asked "omelet's or pancakes"
In the daytime you said "How bout a trip to the lake?"
In the boat "Vienna sausage or sardines?"
To drink-a Squirt? No, Sprite please.
I saved up and bought a boat
Thanks to him, it stayed afloat
You see, he taught me how to be
Table Rock like an emerald sea
Green grass, no chore to mow
In the winter, sitting around the stove
Fetching logs from the pile and trudging through the snow
Judge Judy: our favorite show
I know you'll always be around me
Because he's proud of his grandkids, you see
Granny apples in the trees
You always enjoyed sunsets and the summer breeze
All these things are Jerry Gene.

Author: Brandon Bowers