Donald Harold Bowers died in Salem, Oregon on August 22, 2007 after a five year battle with melanoma cancer. Don celebrated his 60th birthday and 20th wedding anniversary this year. Don was born in Montevideo, Minnesota to Robert Bowers and Leona Bartlett on January 3, 1947. Both parents preceded Don in death. Don retired from the United States Army after 22 years of service to his country. He later retired from the California Department of Corrections after 10 years of service. Don served his country proudly and with honor including two tours of duty to Vietnam in 1967 and 1969. During his first tour in Vietnam he was a member of the 101st Airborne Infantry, an all-volunteer unit. His next tour was as a helicopter pilot with the 23rd AmeriCal division. He was highly decorated for bravery in battle. His Distinguished Flying Cross cites his bravery as repeatedly risking his life to save other lives. A few of his honors include the Purple Heart, five Army Commendations, the Bronze Star, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. His call sign throughout life was Slow Motion 9 and is the personalized license plate of his beloved 1959 Corvette.

Don is survived by his wife Cheryl and five sons and daughters-in-law; Brandon and Katarina Bowers, Bryan Bowers, Steven and Stefanie Zenk, Richard and Katie Zenk, and Lawrence and Irene Zenk. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Bryan, Savanna, Tyler, Mackenzie and Alexis. Last, he is survived by his band of brothers of the 101st airborne and the AmeriCal division and many life-long friends.

Funeral services will be held at Worrell Memorial Primitive Baptist Church in Laurel Fork on August 31, 2007 at 2:00 PM with Elder Gleason Worrell officiating. Burial will follow in the Nester Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.