Stanley Ray Bowers passed from this world on January 3, receiving the “crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award… to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). Stanley was the first child of Wilbur and Mary Bowers, born May 1, 1931.

He was a proud Bellville Blue Jay, class of 1949. A basic mechanical drawing class in high school sparked an interest in Stan that led him to design and install material handling conveyors. Soon after graduation, Stan took a job with Convey-all Corporation, where he started at the bottom rung and climbed the ladder to eventually become president of the company. The company later became known as CMP Corporation. He loved his work and his co-workers. He worked for the same company for 48 years, retiring in 1998.

As a teenager, Stan met Beverly Dillion of Lexington at a random showing of a movie on the side of a building in the village of Bellville. They were married on December 3, 1950, and made their home in Lexington. Stan loved Beverly like Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Married for 68 years, he carried a picture of her in his wallet all his life, even after her passing on October 30, 2019.

Their marriage produced four sons who were blessed by the Almighty to be raised in such a godly home. They attended the Lexington Church of Christ every time the doors were opened. Stan served as a deacon, Bible teacher, and elder. He delivered communion to the sick and shut-ins. He went on memorable short-term mission trips to Central America. He was a member of Gideons, delivering free Bibles to untold numbers of seekers. After retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Truly, he was an example to the believers in speech, life, love, faith, and purity. He clothed himself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (He would not be happy with the author for writing these superlatives.)

As a boy, Stan went on a memorable trip with his dad down the Blueridge Parkway, eventually ending up at Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. That experience opened his eyes to the wonders of God’s creation. Combined with his love of history and travel, Stan and Bev visited all 50 states. In the early years, they camped with their sons on cross-country trips, visiting National Parks and historic places. Ever the curious engineer, Stan made frequent stops at bridges, dams, monuments and museums. In their retirement years, they joined several couples from the church on the annual trips to Myrtle Beach.

Because the Lord filled him with His spirit, Stan was hospitable, generous, and kind. Bev and Stan provided housing for travelling missionaries, students, and friends. Their home was filled with friends during their legendary New Year’s Day open house. Stan built an indestructible basketball goal in his driveway that has endured three generations of neighborhood games.

Stanley is survived by two sisters, Shirley Bahr of Bellville and Marilyn Duffy (Ralph) Clark of Mullica Hill, New Jersey; three sons, Mike (Debbie) of Clarence Center, New York, Bruce of Mansfield, and Tom (Lynne) of Zanesville; and a daughter-in-law, Debbie Bowers of Mansfield. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Betsy Huggins, Silas (Jen) Bowers, Josh (Tara) Bowers, Caleb (Kate) Bowers, Krista (Chris) Rockholt, and Jeff (Lauren) Bowers; and fifteen great-grandchildren, Gavon, Alyse, Jackson, Duke, Bryce, Sidney, Brooke, Zoe, Donovan, Kenna, Carson, Bette, Greta, Hudson, and Ellis, along with treasured nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Stan was welcomed into Heaven by his wife, Beverly; son, Steve; and grandson-in-law, Jeff Huggins, brother-in-law, Don Bahr and brother-in-law, Dave Duffey.

The family commends the health care given to Stanley that helped him achieve 94 years. The skill and kindness shown by the staff at Med Central, Avita, Mill Creek in Galion, Primrose Assisted Living in Mansfield, and Southern Care Hospice is deeply appreciated.

Stan loved God and loved the word of God. He was confident that Jesus was God in the flesh, who lived and died and rose again.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). This is the hope Stan possessed as he stepped out into eternity, and this is the hope he would wish for all who read.

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man” Prov. 3:3-4.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Funeral services, giving Glory to God for the life of Stanley Bowers will be held at 11 am Friday January 9, 2026 at the Lexington Church of Christ, 230 Delaware Street, Lexington, Ohio 44904, where his son Mike will speak. The family will receive friends the hour prior, from 10 am-11am in the sanctuary. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lexington Church of Christ. The funds will be used to further Stan and Bev’s passions in missionary work and sending youth to church camp.

Stanley Bowers lived a life of faith and devotion, and upon crossing into Heaven, there is no doubt to anyone blessed to have known him that he was welcomed by the Lord’s promise, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com