Donald J. Bowers

Donald J. Bowers, 81, a lifelong Lancaster resident, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the home he shared with his daughter.

Born April 27, 1944, he was the son of Ralph and Julia (Quino) Bower.

He graduated from McCaskey High School and married his sweetheart, Carolyn (Cookie) Kestner, who passed away in 2021. He was in a loving, long term relationship with Doris Hill until her passing in 2008. After high school, he went on to join the military. He was in the Army Airborne 82nd Division and was a Purple Heart recipient.

He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Bowers, of Lancaster, and Shawn Rasmusse, of Oregon; and grandson, Ted Leinen, of Oregon. He was the youngest of 8 children and is survived by Julia Mowrer and Jean Gilbert, both of Lancaster. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He retired from Armstrong in 2005 and was a long-standing member of the VFW and Riverside Camping Association. He spent his younger years working on his sister, Nancy, and brother-in-law, Abe Fisher’s farm. He loved fishing and hunting and being outdoors. He loved his family and community and was very devoted to his daughters and grandson. He will be sorely missed. His favorite quote “to live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” Love you dad.