The Post Newpaper, 2008
Neal E. Bowers, 83, of Lodi, passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at his home. He was born Nov. 26, 1925, in Lodi, to John and Dorothy (Talley) Bowers. He graduated from Burbank High School in 1943, Ashland College and Case Western Reserve Law School.On Aug. 9, 1947, he married Betty Jane Fetzer.
He passed the Bar in 1954 and started his law practice with Kenneth Still in Lodi. He also owned Burbank Hardware until the early 1960s. He was a member of the Lodi First Congregational Church and the Lodi American Legion Post. He was a WWII U.S. Marine Corp. veteran, having served in the Pacific Theater.
He was an avid gardener and fisherman, pickerel being his favorite, and had made many trips to his cabin retreat in Hastings, Ontario, Canada. He was well-versed and talented in a number of sports, which included being named a Wayne County All Star in basketball. He participated in several independent league softball, basketball and baseball teams and was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians. He enjoyed golfing in evening leagues and the Monday morning Lodi Seniors League at Knollbrook G.C.
Surviving are his two daughters, Susan Birch of Wadsworth and Michele Traeger of Medina, Texas; three grandchildren, Jessica and Jennifer Birch and Sean Traeger; two great-grandchildren, Mikayla and Jarelle; and brother, Wilbur Bowers of Creston. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane, in 1999.
A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 18 at Lodi First Congregational Church, 114 Church St., Lodi, with the Rev. David Dake and the Rev. Robert Holmes officiating. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lodi. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the church.