Herman D. Bowers, aged 82, passed away on July 21, 2017, in Gainesville, Florida, following a short illness. Funeral services will be on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11:00 am, at First Baptist Church, Waldo, Florida. Visitation will be held at Milam Funeral Home Thursday, July 27th from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Herman was born August 19, 1934, in Lake Wales, FL to James T. “Bud” Bowers and Myrtle Lee Mimbs. He attended the University of Florida, where he completed AF ROTC training and earned a BSA in Dairy Science with a minor in General Agriculture. During his tenure in the ROTC, he served as Commander of the Billy Mitchel Drill Team.
Herman married Margie M. Hogan on June 17, 1956. They traveled to the Philippines, Hong Kong, and many places in the United States during his service in the U.S Air Force. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in 1956 and completed his service as a Captain in 1966. During his years as a civilian, he served in several agricultural positions, ranging from poultry and dairy to soil and water conservation, ending his career as Agricultural Product Specialist with the Dairy Division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Also during this time, he spent 27 years as an instructor of the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations.
Herman ministered as a deacon, youth leader, and choir member at First Baptist Church of Waldo for many years. He was also on the Board of Trustees of Florida Baptist Financial Services. He was a committee member for Gainesville YoungLife and was devoted to helping young people find Christ.
His memory is honored by his wife, sons Michael (Theresa), Allen (Christine) and Daniel (Brittany), seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as well as many extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Herman Bowers to YoungLife Gainesville, P.O. Box 14791 Gainesville, Florida 32604 or to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 216, Waldo, Florida 32694.
