Memorials

Max Lavon Bowers Sr., 85, of Columbia City, died at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Miller’s Merry Manor where he had been a resident since November 3rd. He had been in failing health for several years.
He was born April 4, 1923 in Allen County, Indiana, a son of Leo A. and Bernice (Boland) Bowers. His formative years were spent in Fort Wayne where he graduated from Central High School in 1942.
A United States Navy Veteran, he enlisted on October 29, 1942 and served in the European Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged January 3, 1946.
On July 26, 1947 he was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Grabach. They made their home in Laud. Mrs. Bowers died July 29, 2001. In 2002 he moved into Columbia City.
He was employed at W.S. Shamban in New Haven for 31 years.
His memberships include American Legion Post #253 in North Webster and V.F.W. Post in Wolf Lake and Columbia City.
Surviving relatives include a son, Max (Lisa) Bowers Jr. of Churubusco; a daughter, Marsha (Milton) Grabner of Columbia City; six grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; a sister, Betty Thompson of Indianapolis; and a brother-in-law, John C. Bradley of Knapp Lake.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a sister Martha Bradley.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
The burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne with military honors presented by American Legion Post #253.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice or American Kidney Fund.