Raymond E. “Ray” Bowers age 75 of Mishawaka, went to his Heavenly home on February 1, 2021 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Ray was born on September 4, 1945 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Lynn Burnett and Sibyl Elizabeth (Hutchison); the fourth of seven children. He attended Penn High School and later served his country honorably in the US Navy.  On May 24, 2019 he married Joyce Niles-Bratcher in Mishawaka.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Joyce Bowers of Mishawaka and his children Thomas Bowers, David (Christina) Bowers and Sheri (Toby) Ottman as well as his stepchildren Anna (Paul) Smith, Jennifer Parker Rial, James Patrick Parker, nineteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  Also surviving are his siblings William Bowers of Milford, Indiana, Nancy (Steve) Wiley of Mishawaka, Linda Maynard of both Elkhart and Port Charlotte, Florida, Judith (Kirk) Whitney of Stanton, Michigan and his former wife and mother of his children, Evelyn Bowers.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Paul D. and Leroy A. Bowers.

Friends may gather 2 hours prior to the 7:00pm celebration of Ray’s life on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  Pastor Shirley Fox will officiate the 7pm service.  Services will also be streamed in real time by following this link:  http://us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689   The virtual lobby will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the service and the staff of Cruz Family Funeral Home will admit those joining as they enter. 

Ray was employed at Superior Tool and Die for many years and later worked for Gates Chevy World transporting cars.  He was a longtime member of the VFW Post 360, the American Legion 161 and the Moose Lodge in Elkhart.  He also belonged to the BK Club, DeAmicis Italian Club, and the Democratic Club of South Bend. 

To leave a message of comfort for the family, share a memory of Ray, or  light a virtual candle in Ray’s honor, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ray's family. 

“Ray, you will always be loved and never forgotten.  I love you! ~ Your wife, JB.