Richard E. “Paw Paw” Bowers, 86, of Arnold died March 6, 2018, in Arnold. Mr. Bowers retired from Southwestern Bell after a career that spanned 43 years. He was a Korean War veteran of the 3rd Marine Division and served nine years on the Fox C-6 School Board. He also served on the board of directors for Rock Township Ambulance District. A source of encouragement to everyone he met, with a hearty laugh and warm smile, he took great pride in his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events and concerts. Born Aug. 16, 1931, in Burfordville, he was the son of the late Ada Inez (Jones) and Richard Henry Bowers.
He is survived by his wife: Barbara Jean (Ludwig) Bowers; a son: Kevin (Mary Beth) Bowers of Arnold; a daughter: Teresa (Paul) Hill of Arnold; six grandchildren: Matthew (Lydia) Hill, Joshua (Lauren) Hill, Sarah (Mike) Dillon, Leanne (Nathan) Casey, Sharon (Jason) Chadbourne and Melissa Bowers; 12 great-grandchildren: Violet, Justice, Henry, Catherine Anne, Marian, Titus, Ainsley, Declan, Nora, Josie, Jude and Jane; and a sister: Wanda Wilfong of Burfordville.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Ruth Nitsch; a brother: Ronald Bowers; and a stepbrother: Larry Sides.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, in south St. Louis County. Visitation is at 11 a.m. and a funeral service at noon Wednesday, March 14, at First Baptist Church of Arnold, 2012 Missouri Road, in Arnold. Burial is in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Arnold Missions fund or the Parkinson’s Disease Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis Funeral Home.