ROY LESTER BOWERS
Roy Lester Bowers, Liberty, died October 5, 2020 at Reid Hospital, Richmond.
Born at home on Barbours Creek, Craig County, Virginia on January 24, 1944, the 100th birthday of his paternal great grandfather, Roy was the sixth child born to John Herman and Thelma Raeburn Helms Bowers. In 1949, the Bowers family moved from Craig County, Virginia to Franklin County, Indiana, first living in the Laurel area and then moving to Fairfield, where they remained until the Brookville Dam went under construction.
When he was old enough to lead a horse and handle an axe, Roy joined his three older brothers and his father in the family logging business. Roy began his education at the Laurel Elementary School, graduated the 8th grade from the three-room Fairfield Elementary School and then attended Brookville High School, graduating in 1962. While in high school, Roy participated in the school sports program. He often had to hitchhike home from Brookville to Fairfield, following sports practice. Following graduation from high school, Roy joined the U. S. Air Force. His overseas duty was served in Japan. Until the date of his death, Roy detested the sound of windchimes.
Roy was married to Shirley Ann Beauchamp on June 18, 1966, in Orange Park, Florida. Following his marriage, Roy returned to Indiana, and began his own construction business. On October 8, 1984, while repairing an old barn, Roy suffered a broken spine when the barn roof collapsed and fell in on him. He was paralyzed from the waist down. Once he had fully recuperated (except for his ability to walk), Roy returned to his construction business. When he gave up his construction business, Roy set up a woodworking shop in Roseburg. There, he built cabinets, made trim for houses, and toys for children. Following his mother’s death in 2003, Roy remodeled the family home in Liberty to accommodate his disability. All of the cabinets and the trim in the house were built by Roy. He lived independently in the home until October 2013.
Prior to the accident in October 1984, Roy was very active in sports. He was a Fairfield Hotshot and a Brookville Greyhound. Roy played semi-pro baseball for the Richmond Miracles. He loved to play golf, and, at one time, was the champion at the Liberty Golf Course. One of Roy’s favorite activities was fishing at Brookville Lake, and he built his own pontoon boats to put on the lake. In 1990, he, with the help of the author of the Whitewater Valley GAD-A-BOUT, took on the mission to make Brookville Lake more accessible to the disabled.
Roy looked forward to going deer hunting every year. He usually bagged at least one deer each season. Once the deer was down, Roy would call a nephew or a friend to retrieve the deer for him. Until he broke his glasses during the COVID-9 pandemic and he feared going out to have his eyes checked, Roy was an avid reader of the western novel. He soon read all of the westerns available at the local library, making it necessary to go statewide to find books for his entertainment.
Roy’s nephews and nieces, friends and neighbors can all attest to his generosity and his willingness to help those in need. He loved his extended family and especially enjoyed having the little ones visit him in his home. Roy was very proud of the accomplishments of his son, his grandsons and his many nieces and nephews.
Life was tough for Roy these past 36 years. Yet, he never let his pain and suffering overcome his optimism for life. He never gave up. Following the accident that left him paralyzed, Roy was told by his doctors that he probably would not live beyond another 10 years. He died three days before the 36th anniversary of the accident. It is said that when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Roy decided to make wine instead. Roy is an outstanding example of how one can overcome obstacles in life with hard work, perseverance, a positive attitude and a sense of humor.
Roy was preceded in death by his two infant daughters, Kimberly Dawn (1967) and Shawnda Lyn (1971), his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Gaynelle and Sebert Fridley; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Melvin and Marlene Personette Bowers, Robert and Sandra Banning Bowers, John Bowers, and Dale Bowers. He is survived by his son, Steven (Clare) Bowers, his grandsons, Rory and Kieran Bowers, his sister, Linda Taylor (David Holliday), and “adopted” children and caregivers, Brenda Paxton and James Butler.
A memorial service for Roy will be held on October 14, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Shelter 7, The Mounds State Recreation Area, Brookville Lake State Park, 14108 Indiana State Route 101, Brookville, IN 47012. Participants are asked to bring their own food and drinks. Memorial contributions can be made to the CCCC Food and Clothing Pantry, 307 E Sycamore St, Liberty, IN 47353. Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home is honored to be assisting with arrangements.