Richard E. Bowser

Richard E. “Rich” Bowser, Jr., of 6048 Merwin-Chase Rd., NE, Brookfield, Ohio, died on Saturday (2-17-2007) in St. Joseph Medical Center, Warren, Ohio. He was 59. Mr. Bowser was born in Sharon, Pennsylvania on January 19, 1948, a son of Richard E. and Doris N. (Wimer) Bowser, Sr. A 1967 graduate from Brookfield High School, Rich furthered his education by obtaining his associates degree at the Duffy Institute of Business, Pittsburgh, PA. Rich proudly went on to serve our country in the U.S. Army as a SP 5 during the Vietnam Conflict. His decorations and citations include: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms, Over Seas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, Good Conduct Medal 2nd Award, Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, and the Army Commendation Medal. Mr. Bowser was a Procurement Technician for the 910th Air Wing of the Vienna Air Base, Vienna, Ohio. He was a member of the Brookfield United Methodist Church, Brookfield; Member of the Vienna VFW; Past Commander of the former VFW Post #8860, Masury; Shenango Valley Boating Club; Most Valuable Player in Baseball for the U.S. Army in Korea; and a longtime Little League Baseball Coach, Brookfield. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, and cheering on his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Survivors include: his wife, Lynne E. (Martin) Bowser, whom he married August 21, 1971; his children, Richard E. “Rick” Bowser, III, and his wife Kristin, Hubbard, Ohio, William M. Bowser, and his wife Gwendolyn, Richmond, VA, and Kim E. Hamilton, Vienna; his sister, Kathy L. Smeltzer, Grapevine, TX; and his grandchildren, Sydney J. Bowser, Nicholas J. Bowser, and Telly R. Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sister, Karen Bowser. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at the Madasz Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Bewley, Pastor. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4-7 PM at the Madasz Funeral Chapel, Brookfield. Burial will be in Brookfield Township Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests contributions can be made to the church. Family & Friends can send condolences to www.madaszchapel.com.