BOWSER, JR., John

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, AZ Wednesday, Sep 15th, 2010 John Bowser Jr., 67, of Globe, Ariz., formerly of Safford, passed away on Tuesday Sept. 7, 2010 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. John was born March 27, 1943 in Alvarado, Texas, to John Bowser, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Kilgore. When he was about seven years old John moved to the Gila Valley with his mother and grandmother, Lucille Ayers. In 1962 John married his first wife Betty Jean Mitchell, who now resides in Phoenix. They had two children, Sharon Ann and Dwayne Bowser. In 1972 John met Verna Jean Jensen of Safford and was later married in 1978. To this union, they had two children, Nicholas and Andrea. John was an avid fisherman, he loved to fish, any and everywhere. John was also the “master” as he called himself, at playing dominoes. According to him, he invented the game. If he lost, it was because he let someone win or he’d say, “I’m tired of winning, I’m gonna let someone else win.” John didn’t lose that often; that’s how good he was at dominoes. In 1983 John married his third wife, Wanda Denise Hayes, to this union, was born one child, Tianna. Wanda and John went through many trials and tribulations, each ending up going their separate ways. John had many happy years, and many dark ones, but he always managed to find his way back to the light. John was a wonderful brother, and always had something funny to say or some little rhyme or comment. John worked for the Cyprus mine in Miami for 23 years before retiring in 1997. John is survived by his loving companion of 10 years, Norma Martinez; seven children, Brian (O.B.) Bowser, (Leah), Sharon Ann Bowser, Dwayne Bowser, (Semirra) Eugene Bowser, Nicholas Bowser, (Jovanna), Andrea Bowser, Tianna Bowser, one step-daughter, Tiarra, and one step-son, Levi Packer; 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers, Larry Turner, Ronnie Turner, and Robert Turner, and five sisters, Shirley Turner (Chaplin), Clarence Ann Turner (Klajda), Hazel Turner (Graham), Virginia Turner (Johnson), and Denise Travis (Motley); three wonderful sister-in-laws, Susie, Annette, and Ronda, an uncle, L.C. Kilgore, and many wonderful friends from Safford and the Globe-Miami area, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his mother, Johnnie Mae Turner, his grandmother, Lucille Ayers, and a brother, Clarence “Old Man” Turner. John will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. in the Church of Safford with viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow in the Safford Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Caldwell Funeral Chapel. A memorial service was also held for John at the Loyal Order Of Moose Globe Lodge 2014 located on Highway 60, next to the MVD in Claypool, on Sunday, Sept. 12. Brother Bowser held the title of Governor there, the highest office at the Lodge. A car wash was also held on Sunday in John’s name. John’s family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made at Wells Fargo to Norma Martinez’s or his sister, Hazel Graham’s account in the name of John Bowser, Jr. A rummage sale of sorts is being held at the Moose Lodge in Claypool throughout this week and next. The hours will vary, just look for the open sign and or open double doors. Donations of any kind would be greatly appreciated. Jr. Governor Jerry Musgrave can be reached at 928-200-1131 for more information. Please be on the look out for more fund raisers thoughout the following weeks to help out the family of Brother Bowser with funeral expenses.