CENTERVILLE, Ind. – David Charles Bowers, age 75, of Centerville, Indiana, died Monday, November 13, 2017, at his home after an 11-month battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor.
He was born September 1, 1942, in Mansfield, Ohio, to C. Walter and Louise Kochheiser Bowers. David’s mother died when he was an infant. He was raised in Bellville, Ohio, by his father and stepmother, Ella Vogel Bowers. David was a 1960 graduate of Bellville High School in Ohio and a 1964 graduate of Taylor University. He earned a master’s degree from Indiana University.
David was a teacher and track and cross country coach at Kendallville/East Noble High School from 1964-1968. He served in various roles at Richmond High School from 1968-1989 as a teacher, guidance counselor, Director of Guidance, Assistant Principal, and track and cross country coach. David was Principal for four years at Lincoln High School. He served as the Curriculum Director and Assistant to the Superintendent for the Western Wayne School District, retiring in 2002. After retiring from public schools, David supervised student teachers for I.U. East and Anderson University. He had the joy of finishing his coaching career by coaching with his brother, Ted, as an assistant track coach at his alma mater, Taylor University, for eight years and at Earlham College for two years. David was a Master Track Official, traveling all over the country officiating college meets, conference championships, Olympic trials, and the Pan Am Games. He positively impacted countless lives as a coach, educator, volunteer, and community leader.
David enjoyed raising sheep, starting with a small flock of Southdowns in the 1950s. Over the course of his life, he raised several breeds and took his children and grandchildren to shows and sales across the country. In 2017, David raised the All American National Champion Southdown Ewe. Additionally, he loved traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.
David loved the Lord and was an active and devoted member of the Centerville United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Patricia Baird Bowers; daughter, Kelli (Tim) Hoeflinger of Columbus, Indiana; sons, Kyle (Agata) Bowers of Warsaw, Poland, Kevin (Tracy) Bowers of Bellbrook, Ohio, and Kraig Bowers of Lafayette, Indiana; grandchildren, Ewa Puzynowska, Trevor, Kate, Brayden, and Mallory Bowers, and Layne and Drew Hoeflinger; three brothers, Roger (Peg) Bowers of Arizona, Ted (Dana) Bowers of Alabama, and Ed (Flor) Bowers of Costa Rica; step-mother, Ella Vogel Bowers Spayde; nieces; nephews; and many friends, students, athletes, and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation for David Charles Bowers will be from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19, 2017, in Bryan Cemetery, Centerville. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Centerville United Methodist Church with Rev. Ted Chalk officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Dave Bowers Sheep Scholarship Fund, c/o Wayne County Federal Credit Union, 3010 West Main St., Richmond, IN 47374 or Taylor University, Memo designation: Dave Bowers Track Scholarship Fund, 236 West Reade Ave., Upland, IN, 46989.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.