Stanley Dee Bowers

Funeral services for Stanley Dee Bowers, 77, of Gilmer, Texas, will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, July 15, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment to follow at Kelsey Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Sunday, at McWhorter Funeral Home. Stanley was born on November 4, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ernest Nathan Bowers and Clovis Smith Bowers, and passed from this life on July 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. Stanley's upbringing in Mesa, Arizona instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep love for his family. After moving to Kelsey, Texas in August 1964, he met his lifelong partner, Lana Hardman, and they tied the knot at the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple on August 26, 1969. Together, they raised four children, welcomed two foster children, and opened their hearts to all who crossed their path. For Stanley, family extended beyond blood ties; it encompassed all whom he cherished. At just 13, Stanley achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, fostering a lasting passion for scouting. He dedicated himself to various roles, including Cub Master and Scout Master. His unwavering faith led him to serve a mission in Southern California from 1967 to 1969, embodying the teachings of the Lord and his savior. Known for his willingness to assist those in need, Stanley was always ready to lend a helping hand. A graduate of Gilmer High School in 1965, Stanley actively participated in the FFA and even played football. While he embarked on studies for agricultural and chemistry degrees at Kilgore Junior College, life led him in a different direction before completing either program. Throughout his career, Stanley displayed exceptional diligence. He worked as a dairyman for various local dairies before establishing his own from 1977 to 1985. Besides owning a pet store, he served as a high school substitute, contributed to the band booster club, and worked at Gilmer Pottery before retiring as a Sears repairman. Stanley's passion for craftsmanship was evident in his wood and leatherwork. He adored animals, particularly his birds, but his greatest love was his family, especially the children whom he delighted in teasing. Quiet and gentle, Stanley's dedication to work and serving others never wavered. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Ernest Nathan Bowers II, Brian Lex Bowers(Dorothy), Richelle Fuller (Brian), and Helaman Ross Bowers (Zandra); brother, Melville Smith Bowers; sisters, Toni Porter(Lon), Kathy Hughes(Paul), Carolyn Spencer, Denise Craig, and Donna Bigler(Keith); grandchildren, Jessica Cuba(Jeremy), Kailee Nelson(Chris), Colton McIntyre(Katelin), Kayna Brogden(Cord), Deaccon Pollock, Adrian Pollock, Nicolis Pollock, Lilliane Pollock, Brandon Talley(Melissa), Brianna Fuller, Ethan Fuller, Zoey Bowers, Zion Bowers and numerous great grand grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lana Gail Bowers; brother, LeGrande Bowers; Brother-in-law, Larry Craig; Sisters-in-law, Janet Bowers, and Virginia Gail Bowers; his granddaughter, Carrie Combs; and his great-granddaughter Serenity Combs-Hudson. Pallbearers will be Nathan Bowers, Brian Bowers, Helaman Bowers, Colton McIntyre, Ethan Fuller and Zion Bowers. Please visit Stanley’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Stanley Dee Bowers

November 4, 1946 - July 10, 2024