Gerald Bowers

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Gerald Julian Bowers, age 85, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Gerald was born April 5, 1932, in Columbus, Kansas, to the union of the late Alfonso Bowers, Sr. and Helen (Whitney) Bowers. He was raised in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and he was a graduate of Baxter Springs High School. After high school, Gerry furthered his education and attended Pittsburg State University and St. Benedict College. He received his master’s degree in counseling and taught school at St. Teresa’s Academy in Kansas City. Gerry retired in the early 1990s from Nevada Rehabilitation Center, where he served as a Quality Assurance Specialist for over 20 years.

On June 28, 1986, Gerry was united in marriage to Arleta (Green) Clutter and together they shared 31 wonderful years of marriage. Gerry was an avid reader and he had a great sense of humor. He deeply loved his wife and the kids and spending time with them was something he greatly enjoyed. In November 2016, Gerry and Arleta moved to their little apartment at College View, where they were most content as they called it “their little piece of Heaven”. His favorite pastime was sitting next to Arleta in their recliners and simply enjoying the company of each other. Gerry was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Joplin.

Gerry was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Alfonso Bowers, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Arleta, of the home; his children, Terri Post and husband, Chris, of Lockhart, Texas, and Michael Clutter and wife, Laurie, of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Brian Post, Steven Post, Samuel Post, Samantha Clutter and Kason Clutter; one great-granddaughter, Bella; a brother, James Bowers and his wife, Dorothy, of Nixa, Missouri; a sister-in-law, Barbara Donnington, of Sunrise Beach, Missouri; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral Mass for Mr. Bowers is 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin with Father Justin Monaghan officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri. Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 21, in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with visitation following until 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.