Paul C. Bowers

July 19, 2007, at 8:14 AM at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio. He was born on May 5, 1918 in Monessen, PA., the son of the late J. Frank Bowers and the late Hazel M. (Kyle) Bowers. His sister, Carol Cook, also preceded him in death. Mr. Bowers was a member of the Cortland Christian Church and was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Paul was the owner of the Bowers Insurance Agency in Cortland for 37 years, retiring in 1985. During his lifetime, he was very active in community affairs, serving as Village Clerk for a number of years. He was on the board of Cortland Banks, was a member of the Optimist Club, was instrumental in establishing the Rotary Club of Cortland, and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He was also on the Board of Cortview Village for many years. He loved the water, and spent many happy summers at his cottage on Lake Erie, swimming in the lake and basking in the summer sun. He was also involved in the neighborhood association there. After his retirement, Paul liked nothing better than to grow beefsteak tomatoes and walk with his dog and cigar in the back 'forty'. He loved life, his dog, his family, his friends, and ketchup on anything. Paul's wife, Margaret 'Peg' (Boyd) Bowers, whom he married on August 30, 1940, preceded him in death on March 13, 2002. He is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Janet Rose and husband, Richard, of Champion and Mary Beth Manning of Easthampton, MA. One son, Ben Bowers and wife, Rainy, of Fowler; six grandchildren, Steve Rose and wife, Laura of Canal Winchester, OH., Wendy Forbes and husband, Travis, of Columbia, MO., Kate Manning and husband, Nico Ferrari, of Italy, Kristen Parise and husband, Matt of Cortland, Jill Bowers of Los Angeles, CA., and Jamie Bowers of Los Angeles, CA. Also surviving are five great grandchildren. His dear friend, Georgie Skolfield, of Brunswick, ME, will also mourn his loss. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2007, at the Cortland Christian Church, 153 Grove Drive, Cortland, where the family will receive friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, we suggest that memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to the charity of your choice. Arrangements were made by Shafer-Winans Funeral Chapel. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at: www.shaferwinanschapel.com