DELBERT DUANE BOWERS

Mr. Delbert Duane Bowers, 87, of Harker Heights, TX passed away peacefully with his family and friends at his side Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 in a Harker Heights Hospital.

Mr. Bowers was born on Nov. 20, 1929 in Barada, the eldest child of Delbert L. and Daisy Kirkendall Bowers.   
He grew up and was educated in Nebraska and was a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

He entered the U.S. Army, where he served for 27 years, until his retirement in 1974 at the rank of CW4. After retirement, he had a second career as a funeral director. He and his business partner, William “Bill” Crawford, began Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen in 1972 and Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove in 1988.
Through the years, Mr. Bowers touched many people’s lives in both communities. They sold the business in 1989 to Service Corporation International and he remained active as a consultant until the time of his passing. He always felt it was an honor to be able to serve the people in a time of their life when they needed it most.

Besides being a successful business leader, Mr. Bowers was also very dedicated to many civic organizations. He was a Life Member of VFW Post 3892 in Harker Heights, a Life Member of DAV Post 147 in Killeen, a Life Member of American Legion Post 223 in Killeen, a Member of the Elks Lodge of Falls City since 1950, the Killeen Evening Lions Club, the Killeen, Harker Heights and the Copperas Cove Chambers of Commerce.    

Mr. Bowers was a long time active member of Skyline Baptist Church in Killeen. He enjoyed spending time with his family, working out at his place in Triple 7, playing golf and working at the funeral home.
 
He leaves behind to cherish his memory: His wife of 66 years, Jean Bowers, of Harker Heights; a son, Brent Bowers, of Nashville, TN; daughter, Debra (Dr. Lee) Hand, of El Paso, TX; brother, Delmar (Shirley) Bowers, of Mt. Home, AR; sister, Delores Stanfild, of Falls City; grandchildren, Shelly Bowers, Ryan Harper, Whitney Harper, and Nathan Bowers; and eight great grandchildren.

Mr. Bowers was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, at Skyline Baptist Church in Killeen. Interments services will follow with full military honors in the Killeen City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be the U.S. Army. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Skyline Baptist Church in Killeen and the staff from Crawford-Bowers Funeral Homes in Killeen, Copperas Cove and Temple.  

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Skyline Baptist Church, 906 Trimmier Rd., Killeen, TX 76541; or to Friends of Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery (for the wreaths), 100 W. CTE, Suite 302, Harker Heights, TX 76548 or online at www.wreathforvets.org