Services Set For
Frances Handley Bowers

Interment followed at Addicks Addition of Oakwood Cemetery. Dr. Boyd Wagner officiated at both services.

Mrs. Bowers, 79, was born March 18, 1920, in California, Missouri, and died early Friday in Huntsville.

She and Dr. Bowers were married May 29, 1940. She was graduated from Mexia High School in 1937 and came to Sam Houston State as the first drum major of the college band after having been a champion drum major for four years in high school. During college she set criteria by which future drum majors were taught and judged.

Two degrees were earned at Sam Houston State, a bachelor of science and a master of arts. In 1979 she retired after teaching two years in Willis and 23 years in Huntsville.

Mrs. Bowers was active in her church and community. She and Dr. Bowers were members of First United Methodist Church for more than 55 years. She served as chairman of the church's crisis committee. Other activities and organizations included member and president of the Walker County Retired Teachers Association, and member of the Outlook Club and Book Review Club. She was an avid bridge player.

During Dr. Bowers' presidency, she served as the university's official hostess and honorary president of the University Women's Organization.

She is survived by her husband Elliott, daughter Linda and son-in-law Charles Rushing of Seguin and daughter Cynthia and son-in-law Paul Kimmel of San Antonio, six grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, her sister Billie and brother-in-law Brink Vaughn of Baton Rouge, La., and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Handley of Baton Rouge.

Pall bearers were Jack Parker, Ed Sandhop, Jack Kyle, Wayne Rainwater, L. N. "Sonny" Sikes, Lee Drain, Dr. Ferol Robinson, and Raymond Blalock.

Honorary pall bearers were J. A. Chandler, M. B. Etheredge, J. D. McLeod, Doyle Stuckey, Dr. B. K. Marks, Dr. Jack Staggs, Dr. Frank Leathers, Lamar Urbanovsky, Jim Franklin, Phil Warner and Mance Michael Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that those desiring to do so make contributions to the First United Methodist Church choir scholarship fund, a scholarship fund established in her name in teacher education at Sam Houston State, or the charity of their choice.

Gifts to the teacher education scholarship fund may be sent to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Box 2537 SHSU, Huntsville, TX 77341.

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SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
September 6, 1999
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