Richard Bowers
September 13, 1930 - August 16, 2021
We at CETA are deeply saddened to announce that
Richard Bowers has passed away.
Richard Joseph Bowers, 90, of Rockford passed away August 16, 2021. Born in Rockford September 13, 1930. Son of John & Constance (Keye) Bowers. Attended Rockford Schools, in the US Army, married Mona Bowers 1950, had four children. Started his own business Majestic Heating Company in 1950, owned Richard J Bowers Company, HVAC contractor till 1983. Owned Sky Room Restaurant. In 1984 started his retirement business RJ Bowers Distributors, Inc. selling commercial equipment.
Married Judith A Jessup in 1985 and enjoyed 37 years of traveling and working together each day. Richard was a member of Tebala Shrine, Tebala Past Potentate 2000. Valley of Freeport Scottish rite, Masonic Lodge 102, member of Air Squadron, Horse Patrol, Ogle County & Rockford Shrine Clubs, Member of ROJ Jesters Court 69, Past Director of Jesters. Lifetime member of EAA, Member of Rockford Quiet Birdman and CETA. Richard enjoyed working, many say he failed only one thing Retirement. His love for airplanes, cars and traveling took him all over the world. Richard traveled the world winning many trips through selling.
He drove race cars, love cars, loved to fly and has 3800 hours as pilot in command. Owned an American T-6 in the late 1970’s, flew in many air shows and loved to fly upside down.
Many years ago, 3 planes flying in to Rockford were cleared to land as the Polish Air Force. The Polish Airforce of Rockford was formed, Richard was Polish Airforce No. 3. The Polish Airforce liberated Wausau, Indiana many times.
Know one’s life can be summed up in a few words. Richard lived life to the fullest and would never ask you to something he would not do himself. He was proud of his achievements and always believed in luck, some would say he was a lucky man. As a friend said, Richard was a Man’s man. He believed if you work every day at 100% you would be successful. Richard was both successful and lucky.
Richard was gentleman, smart, and there was nothing he could not do.
|
|
Member of CETA since 1985, A CETA Certified Distributor
CETA Distinguished Service Award 2013
CETA Security for Women of CETA
EAA Lifetime Member
EAA-Frank Murray Memorial Award Feb 1974
1970 – 1985 Volunteered & Flew in many EAA Air Shows
Member of Rockford QB – Quiet Birdman for over 45 years.
In Gold Book Society of Shriners Hospitals for Children
Given an award for EAA Service & Dedication 1971, 1977, 1979, 1981
Boy Scouts of America – Scouter’s Key Award 1967
Master Mason, Member of Scottish Rite, & Shriners of N.A.
Past Potentate of Tebala Temple in 2000
Private Pilot, Single Engine Land & Sea & Multi-engine Land
A Member & Founder of the Polish Air Force (Member # 3)
A HVAC Dealer for 35 years & holds a HVAC Mechanical License
RJ Bowers Distributors, Inc – Selling Commercial Cleaning Equipment – 35 Years
Associates Engineering Degree
Karcher 10 Top Dealer for over 35 Years
|
|
Survivors, wife, Judy, children: Christine Bowers, Conni Fuller, Richard & Maxine Bowers Jr and Robbin & Kathy Bowers. Grandchildren: Melissa Fuller, Charles & Tracie Fuller Jr, David & Bobbi Bowers, Amanda Bowers & Ryan Motlock. Tiffany Newcomer, Robbin Bowers Jr, Daniel Bowers. 9 Great Grandchildren, his cats, Lola & Jinxy and Grand dogs Rainin & Promise. And the Old Farts Lunch Gang Joe, Jack, Gene & Art. |
|
Visitation Thursday, August 19, 2021, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. followed by Masonic Services at 7:00 p.m. at Anderson-Long-Klontz Funeral Home, 6825 Weaver Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 and a visitation Friday, August 20, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. followed by Services at 11:00, a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Davis Smith, Pastor of Belvidere 1st Assembly Church, Officiating.
Donation to Shriner Hospitals. Luncheon to follow the funeral at Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road Rockford, IL.
|
|
We feel the loss, and know you join us in offering prayers and condolences to Judy
and the Bowers Family.
CETA Board of Directors & Staff
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
