West Liberty, Iowa

William “Bill” Joseph Bowers, 72, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025, at The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 12, 2025, at Friends Church in West Branch. Visitation will be Thursday, September 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch. Burial will follow in Springdale Cemetery, rural West Branch.

Bill was born April 2, 1953, in Marengo, Iowa, the son of Claude and Ila (Bennett) Bowers. He graduated from West Branch High School with the Class of 1971. On April 6, 1985, he was united in marriage to Hilda Hinkhouse in West Branch.

Bill was taught to operate a bulldozer by Bob Wright and quickly became a gifted artist in his work. Over the years he worked as an over-the-road truck driver, grain hauler, and heavy equipment operator. He later partnered with his son Dustin in Bowers Custom Services, where he proudly worked until his retirement.

An outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting, fishing, and gardening, and held a special fondness for Canada. Above all, he treasured being “Papa” to his grandchildren.

Known as “Bow Wow,” Bill was admired and loved for his outgoing, fun-loving personality. A great storyteller, he was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back and never hesitated to lend a hand. A natural mentor, he teased, pestered, and pushed those around him only because he cared deeply. Bill treated everyone with the same respect—from the CEO to the janitor. He was a man who knew the value of hard work and long hours, and his compassion extended not only to people but also to animals, always befriending a dog or horse along his way.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda of West Liberty; two sons, Ryan (Lauren) Bowers of West Branch and Dustin (Casandra) Bowers of West Liberty; and nine grandchildren, Teddy, Ben, Lucas, Eli, Tate, Jack, Raelynn, Whitt, and Wade. He is also survived by a sister, Bev Howe of Columbus Junction and brother: Lou (Sue) Bowers of Charleston, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Beth Schwennan and Bonnie Garrett.