Donald Phillip Bowers

Donald Phillip Bowers, 87, of East Jordan, died Sunday, May 17, 2020, at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan. He was born on August 31, 1932, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Earl and Florence (Gleason) Bowers. He lived in Peoria until 1938, when his family moved to East Jordan. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Jean Hammontree, on June 2, 1951, in Boyne City. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2019; just three weeks shy of their 68th wedding anniversary.

Don worked hard to provide for his family and was proud of his career at Raff & Dexter Construction as a heavy equipment operator, East Jordan Cooperative and Wolverine Power Company.  He retired in the late 1980’s to spend time with his children and grandchildren.   

Outside of his work commitment, Don volunteered much of his time to community organizations.  He enjoyed helping others and had over 60 years of service with the East Jordan Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and had been a member of the East Jordan Masonic Lodge #379 F. & A.M., a member of the Charlevoix Masonic Lodge #282 F. & A.M., and a member of the Northwest Shriner Club.  He also served as coach for the East Jordan Little League, was a session and member of the First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan, sold Vidalia onions and pecans for the Northwest Shriner Club, and transported children in need of medical care to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Don’s fondest high school achievement was graduating with the Class of 1950 and playing football for Coach Dan Devine; the famous coach from the University of Notre Dame and the Green Bay Packers. 

Most importantly, Don was a father, grandfather and great grandfather. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his “Pride & Joy”, they meant the world to him.  He was very proud of all their accomplishments and could always be seen cheering them on at their sporting events or supporting them at their many special school or church programs.

Don leaves his four daughters, Donna (Greg) Huryk of Muskegon, Brenda K. (Tracy) Malpass of East Jordan, Diane “Dee” (Robert) Hawley of East Jordan and Susan J. (Kurt) Nichols of East Jordan; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and one brother, Earl (Alisa) Bowers of California.   He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Michele Thorman; his mother, Florence Stucker on May 31, 2002; his father, Earl Bowers in 1939; and two sisters, Patsy Stouton and Rosemary DiPoinio.

A private arrangements are pending.

Don’s family asks that you keep him in your heart, when you hear the sound of someone or perhaps yourself jingling loose change in your pocket – (a well-known habit of his) – take a moment to smile and think of him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of East Jordan, PO Box 341, 207 Williams Street, East Jordan, MI 49727 or to the East Jordan Ambulance Association, PO Box 223, East Jordan MI 49727.

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