Harry L. Bowers

Harry L. Bowers, 84, of Etters, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by family. He was the son of the late Harry and Ruth (Hoopes) Bowers, born on New Year’s Eve, 1939, in Harrisburg.

He spent his early years in Harrisburg where he attended John Harris High School before moving to New Cumberland his senior year. He graduated from the former New Cumberland High School in 1957. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, starting as a paperboy at age six and later working as a laborer at a local dairy. He became a skilled auto mechanic, working for a gas station on Derry Street, Harrisburg, before eventually becoming manager and then owner of his own business, Bowers Gulf, in Camp Hill. Located a block away from Cedar Cliff High School on Carlisle Road, he spent 29 years proudly serving the community through his gas station and garage. Later in life, he would work and retire from Brenner Nissan, Mechanicsburg.

He would tell you that his greatest achievement was finding his wife and best friend of 66 years, Joy Ann (Lutz) Bowers, who passed in 2023. Raising a family and starting a life together became the central focus of Harry’s life.

Harry was a dedicated community member, volunteering with the Newberry Township Fire Police while also serving as an EMT ambulance lieutenant. He and his wife were longtime members of Paddletown Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, Goldsboro, where he also participated in their dart league. An avid bowler, he sponsored his own team in the weekly Tuesday night league. He also enjoyed playing softball for Lewisberry Church. With his birthday falling on New Year’s Eve, he would host yearly parties, inviting loved ones to celebrate and share in his vibrant spirit. Being with those closest to him was what life was all about for Harry. Though he will be missed, his family is comforted in knowing that he’s reunited with his wife, parents, and son, David P. Bowers (dcd. 2024).

Surviving Harry are his children, Cheryl Kinney (Scott) of Mechanicsburg and Steven Bowers (Rumina) of Berlin, MD; grandchildren, Nathan Kinney (Hillary), Jimmy Bowers (Emilee), Brian Kinney (Marisa), Jenny Berju (Jordan), Logan Bowers-Flannery and Raya Bowers; great-grandchildren, Addison, Hadley, Sadie and Palmer Kinney; three brothers, Robert, Earl and Richard Bowers; and a sister, Brenda Love.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Paddletown Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, Goldsboro, with a public viewing running from 10AM until services begin in the church. A procession will then immediately depart for Woodlawn Cemetery, Harrisburg. Friends and family are welcome to join in refreshment and fellowship post-burial at the church’s Christian Education Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Harry’s name to his church: Paddletown Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 355 Church Road, Goldsboro, PA 17319.