He was born October 23, 1949, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of the late Robert G. and Imogene (Dickerson) Bowers. He married Mary Jane Rhoads on May 10, 1975, in Paris, and she survives.

Other survivors include two children, Tina Suzanne Hefner and Heath Gehret Bowers both of Paris; a brother, Richard (Sandra) Bowers of Atlanta, Georgia; three sisters, Daurene (Robert) Worth of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rona (Steve) Walling of Fairhope, Alabama, and Denise (Rick) Wilkins of Mt. Zion, Illinois; two grandchildren, Skylar and Olivia Foote of Paris; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Doris Bowers, and an infant grandson, Hunter Hefner.

Mr. Bowers was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War. He attended St. John’s Military Academy of Delafield, Wisconsin, and was a graduate of Lake Land College. He was a member of Bell Ridge Christian Church of Paris and a Lifetime Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3601. Kirk was an extremely hard worker and liked being busy and active. In those rare times when he did relax, he could be found in his easy chair with a Pepsi or some ice cream, occasionally shouting at Fox News. Above all else, Kirk loved spending time with his family and his beloved dog, Freya.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to Bell Ridge Christian Church or to V.F.W. Post #3601.

Please consider sharing a memory, photo, or condolence with Kirk’s family on his Tribute Wall at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com