William Bowers

William L. Bowers, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, May 13, 2012, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born July 4, 1926, in Oak Ridge, to Leslie E. and Mable O. Harris Bowers. He and Mayme L. Williams were married Jan. 2, 1947, in Cape Girardeau.

Bowers started in banking in 1947 and retired in July 1999. He spent 36 years with Farmers & Merchants Bank of Cape Girardeau, helped organize Cape County Bank of Cape Girardeau (later changed to Capital Bank), then sold to Union Planters Bank of Memphis, Tenn. He was president, CEO and chairman of the board from 1983 to 1988. Bowers semiretired at that time but continued with the bank as vice chairman of the board of directors, and director of the bank's Senior Citizens Program.

He was treasurer of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the city of Cape Girardeau, served on the Chamber of Commerce board, was a past member of the Rotary Club, member of the American Legion, VFW and Elks Club 639.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946.

Survivors include a son, Ronald K. (Penny) Bowers of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Teresa L. Bowers of St. Peters, Mo.; a grandchild, Shawn K. (Jane) Bowers; and a great-grandchild, Alice Bowers.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Merlin, Arlyn, Carlyn and James.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held at noon Wednesday at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum, with the Rev. Tom Sullenger officiating. Entombment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to the Missouri Veterans Home or SEMO Booster Club.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.