James Robert Bowers Jr., 91, died at 7:25 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2013 at his home in Caseyville. Born September 8, 1921 in Brunson, South Carolina, he was the son of James R. and Aline Esther (Johnston) Sr. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and was a member of the Sanford Avenue Baptist Church in Alton. He retired from Granite City Steel in 1988 as an electrician. On December 9, 1944 he married the former Lois Marie Creel. She survives. Also surviving are three sons, James Robert Bowers III P.H.D. (Yoshi) of Japan, Reverend Bruce F. Bowers (Carol) of Caseyville, IL, and Pastor Dan Bowers (Cindy) of Alton, seven grandchildren, Marlo, Martin, Marcie, Leah, Molly, Faith, and James, numerous great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a sister, Evelyn Galloway of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Francis Brown and Betty Jane Chandler. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2013 at Sanford Avenue Baptist Church. Pastor Dan Bowers will officiate. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with full military honors. Memorials may be made to Sanford Avenue Baptist Church in Alton. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
