William "Bill" L. Bowers, 74, of Chemung, NY passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 following his long battle with brain cancer. Born on July 2, 1942 in East Patterson, NJ, he was the son of the late George LaMar and Anna (Becker) Bowers. Bill was employed by Sperry Rail Service and Thatcher Glass prior to working as a New York State Corrections Officer for 24 years. He enjoyed summers with his family at their cottage on Waneta Lake, hunting, fishing, trains, working on cars, and helping his daughters with their horse. He is predeceased by his mother-in-law, Madeline Vollgraf Bowers and brother-in-law Richard Vollgraf. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joan Vollgraf Bowers at home, son, William Joseph Bowers of AZ, daughters and sons-in-law, Kathleen Evan-Stout and Scott Stout of PA, Sarah and Eric Gutierrez of NY, grandchildren, Billy Bowers, Brandon Bowers, Mitchell Evan, Scott Stout, Alaina Stout, Gabriella Gutierrez, and Michaela Gutierrez. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Dale and Louise Bowers and Karl and Flo Bowers, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Judy Vollgraf, and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends may call on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 1pm-3pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. Funeral services will follow at the funeral home at 3pm with the Rev. David Wallis from Mt. Zion Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in William's name to: CareFirst Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870-9509 or www.carefirstny.org.