Obituary of Francis J. Bowers

Francis J. Bowers, Jr. 63, of Eden, New York died Sunday, February 20, 2011 in his home. He was born January 24, 1948 the son of the late Francis J. Bowers, Sr. and Mary Jane Lancaster. Fran graduated from Eden Central School and then graduated from Erie Community College in 1969 and was an optician with Buffalo Optical Company for 15 years. He then went to work with the United States Army National Guard at the Masten Avenue Armory in the capacity of Senior Logistics Supervisor until his retirement in 1996 after 30 years of service. The National Guard held a special spot in Fran's heart. While in the National Guard, Fran attained the rank of E-8. He continued to stay in touch with many of the other reservists and their families. He enjoyed attending the many holiday parties at the Armory each year. Fran was also employed at H & K Publications as an assistant warehouse manager from 1999-2001. He was a member of the Eden Legion Post #880. He was the "Big Brother" to his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed joking around with them and his nieces and nephews. He had a special love for camping and was able to start a campfire when no one else was able to. He would make special trips to the Coast Guard Base to pick up special glow sticks for all of the little ones for the many camping trips or family picnics. He was a kind, patient and loving man who was devoted to his wife, Marilyn and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn A. (nee: Gier), his children; Amy (Scott) Shaffer and Paul (Brandy) Bowers; his grandchildren; Ashley and Collin Shaffer, Ashley Sheesley and Abigail Ward, siblings; Joan (Thomas) Hughes, Peter (Linda) Bowers, Deborah (Gerald) Lawniczak, Mary (Leon) Granger, Michael (Laurie) Bowers, and James Bowers. Also survived by his Stepmother; Thelma Bowers. He was a brother in law to Mary (Thomas) Husul and the late John Gier. His mother in law Marilyn Latona( late Angelo), sister in law Elaine (Gordon) Suttell, brother in laws, Charles Rizzo (late Dolores), Robert Maltby (late F. Barbara), Kevin (Cindy) Latona, James Latona and many nieces and nephews also survive. Beside his parents, his sisters, Fran is also preceded in death by a brother Paul Bowers. Family invites friends to call Wednesday, February 23, 2011 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM at LAING FUNERAL HOME INC 2724 W. Church St., Eden , NY A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, February, 24, 2011, 10AM at Immaculate Conception Church, Eden. Military Services will be held at the grave side following mass at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Words of sympathy may be given to the family on www.laingfuneralhome.com