John D. Bowser

John Dickey Bowser of Deer Park, Texas, passed from death into eternal life on February 15, 2011, after 88 years on earth. John was born on September 9, 1922, in Seward, Pennsylvania, to the late John Emerson Bowser and Nellie Dickey Bowser. He was a 1940 graduate of Johnstown High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh. He proudly served in World War II in the 388th Bombardment Group as an Army Air Corps navigator in a B-17 Flying Fortress. Captain Bowser completed thirty-five combat missions over Europe. In 1957, John moved his young family to Pasadena, Texas, and began his career with Houston Lighting and Power Company, retiring to Nacogdoches in 1986.

John was preceded in death by sister, Virginia McMullen; grandson Shane Lytle and great-granddaughter Fayln Lytle. He is survived by his faithful wife of sixty-seven years, Ethel Pearce Bowser; five daughters, Lynda Herrera and friend Paul King Akin (San Francisco); Joanne McRae and husband Kevin (Rosenberg); Barbara Burkhalter and husband Michael (Grapeland); Nancy Bishop and husband Ronald (La Porte); Rebecca Hicks and husband Kevin (Pasadena); two sons, John Timothy Bowser and wife June (Pasadena); James Bowser and wife Martha (Deer Park); thirteen dearly-loved grandchildren and nineteen precious great-grandchildren.

John was an active member of Pasadena’s Parkgate Community Church for many years, serving in multiple capacities including board member and member of the Care and Share Sunday School class.

The visitation will be held on Friday, February 18, 2011, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Grand View Funeral Home in Pasadena. The funeral service will be conducted at Parkgate Community Church, Pasadena, at 11 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2011, with burial to follow at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family suggests that contributions in John’s name be directed to the John Bowser Memorial Fund, c/o Parkgate Community Church, 3715 Preston Avenue, Pasadena, Texas 77505.