Richard Franklin Bowers

Richard Franklin Bowers, 88, of Colorado Springs, CO passed away Sunday, April 2nd, 2023 in Colorado Springs.

Mr. Richard Franklin Bowers "Dick" was born in Center, CO on September 30th, 1934 to Bryan and Florence (Stone) Bowers. He grew up in the San Luis Valley, a farming area of Center, where he completed high school. After attending the Colorado School of Mines for two years and working with a construction firm for a short while in Ogallala, NE, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1956. Dick ultimately became a helicopter pilot after prestigious training at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, FL. He served successfully in Vietnam as a search and rescue pilot flying off aircraft carriers. From 1967 to 1969 he completed his college degree in political science at the Naval Postgraduate school in Monterey,CA, while transitioning to a career as a Naval Intelligence Officer. He served primarily at DOD and USN intelligence commands in the Washington D.C. area during the second half of his military career. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 1977, settling in northern Virginia. Dick survived his first wife in 1997, and subsequently married his sweetheart Esther Jeffrey Hoover, whom he dated in 1955 in Ogallala, NE. They both felt getting back together was a deep, blessed miracle. Esther and Richard had a wonderful marriage from 1997 until present, enjoying their families and life together in the Colorado Springs area for almost 26 years.

Richard is survived by 4 children (and their spouses/partners) from Esther's first marriage; Doug (Mickey), Shelly (Michael), Kevin (Shelli), and Dana (Randy); and his son Michael (Addie) from Richard's first marriage. In addition, Esther and Dick have 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Judy, and twin sons who did not survive after birth in 1962.

Funeral Services will be Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, NE with Reverend Curt Magelky of the First United Methodist Church of Ogallala officiating.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Monday, April 10th, 2023 at the Draucker Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials are established in his memory.

Military Honors by the United States Navy. 

LCDR Richard Bowers will be buried with military honors at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE at 2:00 p.m. central time on Monday, April 10th, 2023.

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the "share a memory" button. Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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