A Military Honors ceremony for William Roy Bowers, Age 88 of Mountain Grove, Missouri will be held on Friday, August 1st, 2025 beginning at 3PM, The Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove Missouri. A Military Visitation will take place beginning an hour prior at 2PM.
William Roy Bowers, son of the late Theron and Mary (Moriarty) Bowers, was born June 24, 1937, in Pampa, Texas. He departed this life on July 20, 2025, at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri, at the age of 88.
William grew up in Augusta, Kansas. He served in the United States Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on September 15, 1965. Following his service, William began a career in aircraft engineering for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Company. He was involved in the development of the B-2 Spirit, a heavy strategic stealth bomber primarily used by the United States Air Force.
William was a bull rider and team roper, collecting numerous buckles throughout the years. He was even on the bull riders senior circuit in the later years of his life. He also enjoyed horseback riding and anything to do with hotrods. He took great pride in caring for his yard and enjoyed spending time mowing the grass. He was a soft-spoken gentleman and a great listener. With that approach at life, he gained a wealth of knowledge.
William was united in marriage to Vicki Lynne Denner on October 9, 1999, in Lancaster, California. They immediately moved to Missouri where they remained to this day.
William is survived by his loving wife of over 25 years, Vicki Bowers; four sons, Kent Jackson (Nancy), Daniel Ortega (Randi), David Ortega, and Andy Rodriguez (Karesia); two daughters, Ashley McCaughey-Monaghan and Kelley Iribarren (Tony); nine grandchildren, Kesley Tarnoff (Travis), Baylee Iribarren, Anthony Ortega (Heather), Brayden Ortega, Briston Ortega, Lilly Ortega, Tyler Jackson (Kaitlin), Maya Rodriguez, and Remy Rodriguez; three great-grandchildren, Becklin Tarnoff, Leighton Tarnoff, and Nora Jackson; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.
