Clifton Bowser

Clifton “Cliff” Ray Bowser, age 94, of Erie, PA, formerly of Smicksburg, PA passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Saint Vincent Health Center.

He was born in Indiana County, PA on July 20, 1922, a son of the late Harvey and Ora Shaffer Bowser.

Cliff graduated from Dayton High School in Dayton, PA where he was on the basketball team and participated in Future Farmers of America. He worked on the family farm until the age of 27 when he relocated to Erie with his wife and three children. Cliff worked at Lord Corporation retiring as Manager of Customer Service after 35 years. He was a member of Kingsley United Methodist Church in Erie for 67 years, where he had many wonderful friends.

Until recently, Cliff enjoyed fishing on Lake Erie and snowmobiling near Coudersport, PA, at the family cabin built by Cliff and his brothers in 1935. These special times were shared with his son, Jim, nephews, Paul Stevens and Sid Himes and close friends, Joe Bunton and Bill Cooney.

In addition to his parents, Cliff was precede in death by his brothers, Laird, Clair and John Bowser, a sister, Lucille Bowser Coleman and his former wife and mother of his three children, Helen Louise Harman Bowser.

He is survived by his two daughters, Diana Bowser Blandi, of Erie, Karen Bowser Schenley (William), of Merritt Island, FL and his son, James Bowser (Kathy), of Wellington, FL., a sister, Lesta Bowser Adams, of Fort Worth, TX , seven step grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews (affectionately “Uncle Ray”) and three sisters-in-law.

A private burial is being held on Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Smicksburg, PA.

Friends may call on the family on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Kinsley United Methodist Church, 913 Cranberry Street, Erie, PA 16502 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the celebration service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Harold Blair officiating.

The family gives special thanks to Pastor Blair for his help, love and support throughout the recent weeks.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell) Erie, PA 16506.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingsley United Methodist Church, 913 Cranberry St., Erie, PA 16502.