Alvin George Bowser

May 28, 1930 - July 20, 2021

Alvin George Bowser went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 20, 2021 at the age of 91. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Al had touched in some way during his life. Although he struggled with Parkinson's disease for the last seven years, Al never lost his sense of humor or his ability to smile when things were difficult. In the midst of it all, Al continued to place his trust the Lord and the plans He had for his life. The sixth of seven children, Al was born May 28, 1930 in Arnold, Pennsylvania to the late Harry E. and Lydia A. Bowser. As a youth, he worked for Western Union Telegram as a telegram delivery boy. He graduated from Arnold High school in 1949 and then joined the United States Navy as a Seabee during the Korean War. Al spent most of his time stationed in Cuba, building the barracks at Guantanamo Bay. If you had the privilege of spending time with him, I’m sure you heard a few of his stories about his time in the Navy. After he returned home, Al started working as a mechanist’s apprentice with Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation for nine years. In 1957 Al went to the Elks Club with some of his friends and it was there that he first saw and heard his future wife, Florence, singing “Tammy”. The couple quickly fell in love and were married on December 28, 1958. They headed to California after their wedding and made their home in Bakersfield. On June 7, 1960, they suffered the heartache of losing their first daughter, Linda Patricia who passed away at six weeks of age. In 1962, Al and Florence were blessed with their next daughter, Carol. Donna and Heidi would follow after. After moving to Bakersfield, Al worked in the construction field as a lather and, for a good part of his life, he worked at Tehachapi State Prison starting out as a correctional officer and then retiring as a lieutenant. He later worked as a manager at Sandstone and Brick Home Center. After retiring from Sandstone, Al spent his free time in his workshop. He was an excellent carpenter and spent countless hours in his workshop, lovingly creating furniture for his family. Al was a sports fan and enjoyed watching football and baseball games. When his grandchildren had a game, he was there to cheer them on. Growing up outside of Pittsburgh, it was only natural that he was a huge Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan. Al also loved crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and eating ice cream, especially if it was homemade. Al was a dedicated husband and father first and foremost. He treasured Florence, his daughters and sons-in-law. He especially loved his role as Papa and no one could bring a smile to his face like his grandchildren could. Al loved the Lord and wanted nothing more than to have his family and friends have their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ. One of his favorite passages was John 3:16-17. Al was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Patricia; parents Harry and Lydia Bowser; sisters Alverta Lowman, Charlotte Reed, Phyllis Camp, Kathleen Bowser, and brother Harold Bowser. Al is survived by his wife Florence of 62 years; daughters Carol (Rodney) Thompson, Donna (David) Herrin, and Heidi (Mark) Van Fossen; grandchildren Emily and Evan Van Fossen and Robert and Anna Herrin; sister Mabel Keener, brother-in-law William (Carol) Campbell and several nieces and nephews. A special thanks is given to Hoffman Hospice, especially Jeanette Castro, for the excellent care given to Al at the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Laurelglen Bible Church's missions program, 2801 Ashe Road, Bakersfield CA 93309. (661-833-2800) A memorial service will take place on August 14, 2021 at Laurelglen Bible Church (2801 Ashe Road, Bakersfield CA 93309) at 11:00 a.m.