William Bowers, III

William Bowers, III, 85, of West Chester, PA, treasured husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away September 14, 2023.

Born March 3, 1938 in Upper Darby, PA, he was the son of the late William Jr., and Martha Ruth (nee Hagy) Bowers. Bill grew up on Lovell Avenue in Broomall, surrounded by nearby extended family. He attended Marple Newtown High School, where he played basketball, participated in the debate club, and volunteered locally as a fire fighter.

Like his father before him, Bill studied at the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA. There he met his wife, Carol, and became an active member of the Acacia fraternity, as well as a number of other organizations and honor societies.

Graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Bill pursued a 30-year career with the Philadelphia Electric Company at the Market Street location, serving customers such as ACME Markets, Lukens Steel and Boeing. He eagerly retired from his management position at the age of 52 years old to pursue his love of travel with his family and friends. Bill had a particular fondness for National Parks, which developed during early road trips with his parents. His retirement sight-seeing excursions included visits to Alaska, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, Kenya, Europe and Iceland. Activities at home, in between trips, included home improvement projects of many kinds and planning his next trip. Service endeavors included organizing Red Cross blood drives, acting as Judge of Elections and working on the Willistown Township Planning Commission, as well as an extended period as a member/treasurer of the West Chester Lions Club.  He was the Financial Secretary for Willistown United Methodist Church for many years, and also served on the Staff/Parish Relations Committee.

Bowling, golfing, softball, and biking were activities Bill enjoyed, but his long-lived favorite was tennis. Bill used his time generously to assist others, performing electric wiring and home-improvement projects. With a glass of iced tea in hand, you would often find him in the shade by his swimming pool, playing cards at the kitchen table, or sitting down with a crossword puzzle in hand.

Bill was the beloved husband of Carol (nee Schweinebraten) Bowers, loving father of C.K. Trent (David) and Gwen Hogan; adoring grandfather of Cara Duffey (John), Rob Drescher (Nicole), Will Hogan (Alyssa Jones), and Abbie Hogan; and proud great-grandfather of Caroline, James & Lillie. Among his last conversations he spoke of plans and hopes to take a trip with family up the Mississippi River and to visit great grandchildren in Alabama, because family and travel is where his heart lived.

Relatives and friends are invited to a family visitation from 9:30AM to 10:00AM, Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Willistown United Methodist Church, 6051 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Celebration of Life at 10:00 AM. Interment is private.

In honor of the importance Bill placed on his church and church family, please consider a donation to the Willistown United Methodist Church, 6051 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073.