Nevin Ray Bowers, 88, of Ashland, peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Saturday evening, May 30, 2026. He was born February 22, 1938, in Apple Creek, OH, the son of the late Joseph and Jesse (Cunningham) Bowers.

Nevin’s upbringing was the foundation for his life of hard work, dedication, integrity, and character. He was raised on a farm outside of Orville, OH by his loving parents and two older brothers, Dwight and Richard Bowers. As a family, they grew crops of horseradish and raised and butchered livestock for themselves and others. Nevin was the youngest sibling by a 14 year gap and, lost both his parents in December 1959.

Nevin graduated from Polk High School, Class of 1956, The Ohio State University and went on to serve in the National Guard. He became a licensed Professional Surveyor and meticulously built a career defined by quiet dedication and steady expertise. For more than 40 years, he proudly served the City of Ashland as Director of Engineering. He brought to that work the character of a true public servant. He was a planner, problem solver and a steady voice of calm. Most people knew Nevin as a quiet man of few words with a dry sense of humor.

On September 2, 1961, he married Joyce A. Streit, and together they made Ashland their home for 62 years. In retirement, they followed the sunshine to Estero and Ridgewood Lakes, Florida, where they built a second home. Family was his greatest earthly treasure. His grandchildren knew the warmth of his love, the safety of his presence and the joy of memories made in the places he helped create.

Favorite times with family were summers on Houghton Lake, MI, and extended weekends along the Allegheny River in Tionesta, PA, at a cottage that became affectionately known as “The Shack”. Nevin’s vision for an abandoned home with a beautiful view became a beloved family retreat where many friends visited.

Nevin was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the building committee, characteristically giving his time and talent without need for recognition. He was a proud member of the Elks, Ashland Lodge #151, Free and Accepted Masons, and Ashland Chapter #92, Order of the Eastern Star. He was an Ashland Youth Little League coach, leading the Ward Real Estate team to many victories.

Among Nevin’s many interests, he especially enjoyed perch fishing on Lake Erie with his lifelong friend, Roy Turk, and together, preparing large scale “secret recipe” chicken barbecues and steak fries for many organizations and groups. He and Joyce also enjoyed traveling extensively with their dear friends.

Nevin cultivated lifelong friendships he held dear. He was known as a true and loyal friend, always ready to lend a hand and trusted by those around him for his quiet wisdom and steadfast reliability. Above all else, Nevin was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Nevin is survived by his two sons, Todd Bowers of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Matt (Julie) Bowers of Powell, OH; and four grandchildren, Annalise Bowers of Savannah, GA, Audra Bowers of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Ellie Bowers of New Albany, OH, and JR (Matthew II) Bowers of Powell, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, and by his beloved wife, Joyce Bowers, who passed away on July 18, 2024.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with Reverend Tom Snyder and Reverend Toni McKee presiding. Family and friends may visit on Friday evening, June 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Guests are invited for lunch and fellowship immediately following the service. Interment will be in the Ashland Cemetery at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 220 Sandusky Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home

Website: denbowfh.com