Leroy A. Bowers

Leroy Allen Bowers, age 74 of South Bend passed away unexpectedly at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center on May 29, 2017.  Leroy was born June 16, 1942 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Lynn and Sibyl (Hutchison) Bowers. Following graduation from Penn High School, Leroy enlisted in the US Army, serving honorably during the Korean War era.  He was later employed for many years as a lay out man at Wheelabrator Frye in South Bend.  On December 31, 1985, he married Beverly McCann in Osceola, Indiana.  They recently celebrated 31 years of marriage.

Beverly survives, along with their children Raymond (Linda) Beedle of Osceola, Brenda (John) Hall of Houston, Texas, Tammy May of South Bend, Tracy Hall of Mishawaka, and Billy, Robert and Jennifer Bowers, all of Joplin, MO.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.  Leroy is survived as well by his siblings William Bowers of Florida, Raymond (Fiancé, Joyce Bratcher) Bowers of Mishawaka, Nancy (Steve) Wiley of Mishawaka, Linda Maynard of Elkhart and Judith (Kirk) Whitney of Stanton, Michigan.  He was preceded in death by his brother Paul Bowers.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Friday, June 2, 2017 at Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Osceola.  Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Cruz Family Funeral Home with Military Honors and cremation to follow.  Burial will take place at a later date.

Leroy was recently employed as a driver for both Gates Chevy World and Wolfe’s Auto Auction in South Bend.  He was also employed for several years in receiving at Meijer in Mishawaka.

A proud Veteran, Leroy served as the past Post Commander and Judge Advocate  for the American Legion Ryan Balmer Post #161 of Mishawaka.  One of his favorite past times was singing karaoke at the Post in Mishawaka where you might hear him sing the song “People are Crazy” or “Man of Constant Sorrow.”  Leroy also served his community by firing the cannon annually at the beginning of the Mishawaka Memorial Day Parade.

In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking out, bonfires, and landscaping in his yard.  To light a candle, leave a condolence, view Leroy’s online video tribute or make donations directly to the family to assist with funeral expenses please follow the links in our website:  www.CruzFamilyFH.com.