Ronald Craig Bowers

June 30, 1944 – May 10, 2023

Ronald “Ron” Craig Bowers, longtime Chandler, Oklahoma, resident, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 78.

Ron was born on Friday, June 30, 1944, in Perry, Oklahoma, to Walter and Iva Grace (Harkins) Bowers. One of seven siblings, Ron grew up in Perry, graduating from Perry High School in 1962. Ron furthered his education by attending Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Administration. Ron also attended Oklahoma State University where he earned the additional 16 credit hours required at that time to become an administrator.

On June 1, 1968, Ron married Judy Posey in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Together they raised three children, Craig, Renee, and Jayme. From 1966 to 1972, Ron taught P.E. and science at Glenwood Elementary School in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Ron also coached football, wrestling, and gymnastics while at Glenwood. In 1972, Ron and Judy moved to Chandler, where Ron served as the elementary school principal at Chandler Public Schools until his retirement in 1996. Continuing his love of wrestling, Ron helped to establish the wrestling program in Chandler Public Schools by beginning an after-school wrestling program during his first year as principal.

After retirement, Ron drove a milk tanker for Farm Fresh and WDT out of Chandler for 17 years. He also enjoyed mowing and working in his yard and was an avid OU fan. Ron had a great love for all animals and especially his fur babies. He and Judy were longtime members of the First Christian Church of Chandler where he served as an elder and chairman of the board on several occasions. Ron’s greatest contribution was the difference he made in the lives of others serving as principal in Chandler’s elementary schools.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Iva Bowers; his brother, Forrest Bowers; sisters, Maxine Tisdell, Dorothy Phillips, and Barbara Reed; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Judy Bowers, of Chandler; son, Craig Bowers of Houston, TX; daughters, Renee Bowers of The Village, OK, and Jayme Nickell of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Cassidy Nickell, Donovan Nickell, and Kyleigh Nickell, all of Oklahoma City; sisters, Delores Curran of Oklahoma City, and Donna Richardson and her husband, David of Pocasset, OK; brother-in-law, Ralph Reed of Oklahoma City; as well as a host of other family members and friends.