Iowa Firefighter's Memorial - Past IFA Presidents Form

Iowa Firefighter's Memorial - Past Presidents and Friends of the IFA
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  Bio Richard Vincent Bowers (Dick) of Montezuma passed away Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the age of 95. He was a life-long resident of Montezuma, born August 23, 1918 to Ross Walter and Pearl Elizabeth Cummings Bowers. He was the oldest of three, having one brother, Ed, and a sister, Nancy. Their stories of living in the old Montezuma School, with access to a stage and basketball court in their youth, have captivated generations of family members. He was married on November 21, 1941 to Doris Marie Sharer. That union lasted for 71 years until her death on April 25, 2013. He served in the United States Navy as a Seabee in the South Pacific working on various construction projects. He was a proud World War II veteran and an active member of the Montezuma American Legion Post #8876. Dick was a general contractor and the third generation to own and operate Bowers Construction Company which is credited with building the Montezuma Community School additions, area homes and businesses. Accomplishing the unique construction of the Grinnell College president’s home was a great source of pride. He was a member of the Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years serving as chief for 24. His passion for fire prevention, safety, and training resulted in many accolades and awards at local, state and national levels. He helped organize the Poweshiek County Firemen’s Association and mutual aid agreements. Dick served as president of both the Iowa Fireman’s and Iowa Fire Chiefs Associations. He was a member of the Iowa Fire Safety Council for 20 years, spent 18 years as chair of the Iowa State Fire Service Extension Council, and over 40 years on the Iowa Farm Safety Council. Dick was a devoted 58-year member of Lafayette Lodge #52 and a Kaaba Shriner. He was tenacious and outspoken for causes in which he believed. Those who knew Dick well know he loved the Mississippi River and all waterways with barge traffic. He loved cooking for large groups, Sunday picnics at the Skunk River, golfing and traveling back roads. Dick is survived by six children Anne Zamzow, Barb Enderson, Becky Smith (Len), Steve (Kathy), Jane Nesbitt (Jeff), Julie, and Ana Regina Nogueira; sister, Nancy Lowe (Duane), sister-in-law, Marcene Fisher; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held amidst flags and fire trucks on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 10:30 am at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma. In the afternoon, a celebration of his life will be held at the Montezuma Country Club. Please direct any memorials to the Montezuma Fire Department, PO Box 334, Montezuma, IA 50171 in Dick’s honor.

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Last Name
First Name
Department
Active
Date of Death
Bio	Richard Vincent Bowers (Dick) of Montezuma passed away Sunday, January 5, 2014, at the age of 95. He was a life-long resident of Montezuma, born August 23, 1918 to Ross Walter and Pearl Elizabeth Cummings Bowers. He was the oldest of three, having one brother, Ed, and a sister, Nancy. Their stories of living in the old Montezuma School, with access to a stage and basketball court in their youth, have captivated generations of family members. He was married on November 21, 1941 to Doris Marie Sharer. That union lasted for 71 years until her death on April 25, 2013. He served in the United States Navy as a Seabee in the South Pacific working on various construction projects. He was a proud World War II veteran and an active member of the Montezuma American Legion Post #8876. Dick was a general contractor and the third generation to own and operate Bowers Construction Company which is credited with building the Montezuma Community School additions, area homes and businesses. Accomplishing the unique construction of the Grinnell College president’s home was a great source of pride. He was a member of the Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years serving as chief for 24. His passion for fire prevention, safety, and training resulted in many accolades and awards at local, state and national levels. He helped organize the Poweshiek County Firemen’s Association and mutual aid agreements. Dick served as president of both the Iowa Fireman’s and Iowa Fire Chiefs Associations. He was a member of the Iowa Fire Safety Council for 20 years, spent 18 years as chair of the Iowa State Fire Service Extension Council, and over 40 years on the Iowa Farm Safety Council. Dick was a devoted 58-year member of Lafayette Lodge #52 and a Kaaba Shriner. He was tenacious and outspoken for causes in which he believed. Those who knew Dick well know he loved the Mississippi River and all waterways with barge traffic. He loved cooking for large groups, Sunday picnics at the Skunk River, golfing and traveling back roads. Dick is survived by six children Anne Zamzow, Barb Enderson, Becky Smith (Len), Steve (Kathy), Jane Nesbitt (Jeff), Julie, and Ana Regina Nogueira; sister, Nancy Lowe (Duane), sister-in-law, Marcene Fisher; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held amidst flags and fire trucks on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 10:30 am at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma. In the afternoon, a celebration of his life will be held at the Montezuma Country Club. Please direct any memorials to the Montezuma Fire Department, PO Box 334, Montezuma, IA 50171 in Dick’s honor.