Elmer J. Bowers

Elmer J. Bowers, 88, of Goshen, died Saturday, March 22, 2014, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Elmer was born March 28, 1925, near Foraker to Clem and Pearl (Sommer) Bowers. He was married October 17, 1948, to Virginia Strycker, who preceded him in death June 25, 1984. Elmer is survived by three sons, Stephen E. (Jane Yoder), of Goshen, Paul E. (Cinda Schwalm), of Venice, Florida, and John D. (Teresa Denny), of Punta Gorda, Florida; a brother, Phil Bowers, of Wakarusa; two sisters, Carolyn Bunger, of Walnut Creek, California, and Eileen Higgins, of Sarasota, Florida; five grandchildren, Ryan Bowers, of Appleton, Wisconsin, Rachel Bergfeld, of Yuma, Arizona, Erin Wysong, of Chicago, Jennifer Beam, of Elkhart, and Nick Bowers, of Florida; four great-grandchildren; and his special friend, Martha Burger, of Goshen. He was preceded in death by his wife; two sisters, Miriam and Anne; and a brother, Eugene. Elmer was a 1943 graduate of New Paris High School. He served as a seagoing cowboy of Heifer Project, taking horses and cattle to Europe following World War II in 1946. He graduated from Manchester College in 1951 and earned a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1958. Elmer began his teaching career in 1951 at Millersburg High School and later taught at Jefferson High School. He became chair of the science department at Goshen High School in 1958 where he taught physics and chemistry until he retired in June 1988. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be directed to Goshen City Church of the Brethren or Manchester University.