Fred Bowers, Sr.

Fred Lee Bowers Sr., 80, of Bondurant, IA, took the last Rock Island Rocket out of town on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, at the Taylor House.

Fred was born on September 7, 1943, in Des Moines to Lloyd and Evelyn Bowers and lived in the Bondurant area most of his life. Fred was a 1962 graduate of Bondurant-Farrar High School where he lettered in choir. He was an Army veteran serving a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1963 and finished his service State side. After his service, Fred worked for the United States Postal Service for 40+ years where he retired. After retirement, Fred and his wife Maxine enjoyed many adventures together. They raised exotic birds, dogs, and different breeds of cats. Fred had many hobbies such as stained-glass projects, traveling, and trains. He also had a profound passion for riding his bike on the many trails in Iowa. His last trip was to Alabama to visit his good friend from the Postal Service and fellow veteran, Ray.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Maxine Bowers, his children LaWanda (Darrell) LeMaster, Fred Bowers Jr., Michael (Michele) Bowers, Daniel (Annette) Dove, Derek (Heather) Dove, DeAnna MacDonald, his brother, CSM (Retired) Dennis (Sue) Bowers, and sister, Linda Bowers Kimball. Fred is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Evelyn Bowers, brother, Larry Bowers, son, Darin Dove, and granddaughter, Caitlin Marie LeMaster.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Altoona, 105 Fourth Street SW, Altoona, IA. Funeral service will follow the next day at 12:00 p.m. Saturday also at the funeral home. Burial and reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association in Fred’s memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Fred will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend and for his passion to tell people to stop smoking and don’t take any wood nickels.

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