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Bernie Bowser, Sr.

Bernie Bowser, Sr., 91, of West Kittanning, PA, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024 at The Ridge at Heritage Meadows in Ford City, PA.

He was born on Dec. 16, 1932 in West Kittanning, PA; the son of Clyde and Nora (John) Bowser.

Bernie attended Kittanning High School graduating in 1950. He then enlisted it the U.S. Army and attended engineering school at Fort Belvoir, VA. He served during the Korean conflict from 1952 to 1954. Bernie was the owner of West Kitt Heating and Plumbing Engineers since 1976.

Bernie was a proud member of the West Kittanning Fire Department where he was a past President, Secretary, and served as their Fire Chief for 52 years. He was a fire instructor at the Armstrong County Fire School and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown, PA. He was an Armstrong County Deputy Fire Warden with the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry. Bernie led the first delegation of Armstrong County Rescue personnel to the 1977 Johnstown flood.

Bernie was the last surviving member of the original Kittanning Firemen's Band where he played the drums. He was the former Mayor of West Kittanning and was an Armstrong County Deputy Coroner from 1986 - 2014. He was a 40 year member of the Board of Directors for the Emergency Operating Center, the precursor to Armstrong County 911.

Bernie enjoyed big band music; he loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them. His legacy of service, dedication, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his impact on his community and the lives he touched will never be forgotten.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Fay (Claypool) Bowser, whom he married on Oct. 9, 1959; his children, Bernie Bowser, Jr. and companion Andrea Lasher and Darcy E. Hawley, all of West Kittanning; grandchildren, Ryan E. Wheeler, Brielle Mills and husband Austin, Loryn Bowser and fiancé Josh Doverspike, and Billie Jo Hawley; and his special dogs, Tubby and Sara Lee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Deborah Beers and Betsy Lynn Doran; son-in-law, William "Bill" Hawley; sisters, Lois Richardson and Roma Jean Robinson; and an infant brother.

Family and friends will gather from 5 - 8 PM Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning, PA. A Masonic service will be held at 4:45 PM.

Additional visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of funeral services at 11 AM on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Kittanning, 334 Arch St., Kittanning with the Pastor Jeffrey T. Smith officiating.

Interment will be in West Glade Run Cemetery, Kittanning, PA where Military Honors will be present by the American Legion Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bernie's name to your local fire department.

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