Lorris M. Bowers MD

He was born July 18, 1930 in Dakota Illinois, the son of Roy S. and Bernice E. Bowers. He married Helen R. (Slaght) Bowers on August 1, 1951. She predeceased him in November 2010. Also predeceased are his parents. He was recently inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution. Surviving are brothers, Rodney Bowers of Ridott, IL and Don E. Bowers of Dakota, IL; three daughters, Corrine A. Abraham of Marietta GA, Pamela J. Voros of Columbia SC, and Kris D. Powers of Middleton WI; a son, Stuart L. Bowers of Peoria IL; eleven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He attended the University of Illinois, 1948-1952, receiving a BS in Medicine. Thereafter, he attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine until receiving his MD degree in June 1955. Following a one year internship at Anchor Hospital in Saint Paul, MN, he served as a flight surgeon in the USAF. While in the service he was distinguished as the first USAF flight surgeon to exceed the speed of sound, and was inducted into the MACH Buster’s Club. Subsequently, he received training in Urology at Hines VA Hospital in 1959-1963, leading to board certification. He came to Peoria, IL in 1963 and was a medical staff member of Saint Francis, Methodist, and Proctor Hospitals from 1963 until retiring in 2002. While in the private practice of urology from 1963 until 2002, he was one of the founding members of the Midwest Urological Group. He was a member of the Peoria Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, AMA, North Central Section of the American Urological Association, and the American Urological Association. Past professional affiliations include the American Fertility Society, American Society of Sex Therapists and Counselors, American Geratic Society, American Medical Equestrian Association, Illinois State Urological Society, the Illinois Urological Society, and Physician Consultant to the VA. He was a faculty member of the Peoria School of Medicine (1975-2012), President of the Peoria Medical Society (1978), Board Member of the Midstate Foundation for Medical Care Inc. (1978-1983), President Midstate Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. (1981-1982), Illinois State Medical Society Delegate, (1977-1991), Illinois State Medical Society Board of Trustees (1985-1991), and an officer of the Medical Staff of Methodist Hospital (1982-1985), becoming president in 1985. He was the recipient of the Edwin L Thirlby Award of the American Urological Association in 1972. He was proudest of pioneering work in the role of vascular disease in erectile deficiency, although also authoring articles regarding urinary stone disease. Later in life he owned and operated Collingwood Farm in Brimfield, IL with his wife, Helen, where he enjoyed a return to the farm life that he had experienced as a child. He was known to many as a caring and compassionate physician and friend; a devoted husband, father and grandfather; and a steadfast Illini football fan. He led an active life, participating in skiing, scuba diving, camping, traveling and dancing with equal spirit and vitality. He was a loyal steward to everyone he encountered and to all that he did. Memorial services will be held at 11AM, Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Freeport Mennonite Church located at 3416 E Brick School Rd., Freeport, IL 61032 followed by a luncheon at the church. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lorris M. Bowers Memorial Fund c/o Freeport Mennonite Church.