Philip C. Bowers

October 31, 1925 – March 29, 2011

Phil’s parents, Horace Bowers and Hazel Bowers moved from Adair, Oklahoma to Colton, California in the 1920’s where their three sons were born: Richard (Dick) the oldest, Philip the middle son and Kenneth, (Ken) the youngest son. The three boys spent their early childhood in California – then the family moved to Casper, Wyoming where most of the boys’ childhood was spent. A sister, Sandra, was born in Casper in 1938 and shortly thereafter the family moved to Billings, Montana where Horace had obtained work during the depression years.

Phil graduated from high school in Billings and thereafter the family moved again, going back to Casper where Phil enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His active duty stated in July 1943. The stations and vessels Phil served on were NTS Farragut, Idaho, USS Oyster Bay, USS Dickens and PSC USNB Bremerton, Washington. He attained the rank of Fireman 1st Class and sailed on the afore-mentioned ships in the South Pacific during World War II. Medals received were Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign medal, Philippine Liberation medal, American Area medal and World War II Victory medal. After his Honorable Discharge in 1946, Phil returned to the family home in Casper, Wyoming. Phil’s brothers, Dick and Ken also served in the military, Dick in the U.S. Navy in World War II and Ken in Merchant Marines at the end of World War II, then in the U.S. Army in the Korean occupation army.

All three brothers eventually moved to Denver, Colorado to live. Phil’s career in Denver was with the Colorado Highway Department in the Staff Design (Roadway design) Department, from which he retired. He met his wife Nancy while they both worked at the Highway Department. Both Phil and Nancy were avid sports fans and enjoyed attending many games with friends. Phil and Nancy also bowled and played golf for many years – both of Phil’s brothers, Dick and Ken also were sports fans and enjoyed bowling and golfing with Phil. Phil was happy and proud to have bowled a perfect game during his active years. He won several trophies both in golf and bowling.

Phil is survived by his wife Nancy, his brother Ken (the older brother Dick passed away in Denver in 1993) sister Sandra, nieces Sherry Smiley, Catherine Bakst, Celena Holloway, Debra Bowers, Paula Bowers, Nephews Kerry Bowers, TJ Holloway, Charles Holloway and several grand nieces and nephews.

Phil’s family and friends will miss him dearly but with many cherished memories of him as a good man, neighbor, fun-loving sportsman, dedicated serviceman and employee. He was a supporter of many charities such as Dumb Friends league, the Humane Society and several other animal rescue groups as well as the PT Boats Charity. After a long bout with pneumonia and being hospitalized for nearly two months, Phil passed away on March 29, 2011. A Memorial Service will take place at Olinger’s Hampden Chapel in Denver on April 17 at 2:00 pm.