raybaxterbowser

Ray Baxter Bowser

Ray Baxter Bowser died Thursday, May 18, 2006 at home. Born in Vestaburg, PA October 10, 1918, age 87. Of Port Vue, he was a retired mill plumber at the Irvin Works of US Steel.

Son of the late George and Beulah Racey Bowser, husband of the late Evelyn “Honey” Henck Bowser, he was preceded in death by his son, Robert Baxter Bowser and his sister, Mildred Bailey. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Nick) Denardo of Port Vue, daughter in law, Sandra Moreman Bowser of Elizabeth Twp., 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Dom) Chiaverini of Elizabeth Twp., Nick Denardo, Jr. of McKeesport, Laura Bowser of Gaithersburg, MD, and Chad Bowser of Elizabeth Twp., 2 great grandchildren, Nikkey Rice of Elizabeth Twp. and Brianna Sparico of McKeesport, a sister, Carol Ann Hixson of Austintown, OH, a brother, David Bowser of St. Anthony’s, Idaho, an adopted grandson, Patrick (Rachel) Isabirye of Uganda, East Africa and their children, Ruth, Nancy, and Ray Baxter, also nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graduate of Centerville High School, he attended its annual homecoming. A Staff Sgt. in the US Marine Corps during WW II, he served in the Pacific Theater on Pelalue Island. A Past Master of Youghiogheny Lodge #583, F & AM, he was a member of Al O Mon Forest #138, Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He was an active member of the Port Vue United Methodist Church, its Mens Ministries, and Adult Sunday School. He served on many committees, was lay member to the Annual Conference several times, was Trustee Emeritus, was a founding supporter of the Good Samaritan Food Pantry and the Prayer and Healing Ministries of the church. He went on annual mission worktrips to Philippi, W. VA well beyond 80 years of age, and often hosted visiting missionaries in his home. He enjoyed serving God and his church, hunting, gardening, and sports.

Friends will be received in the Hunter Funeral Home, Inc., 1600 Coursin Street, McKeesport Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. A service will be held Monday, May 22 at 11:00 AM in the Port Vue United Methodist Church with the Rev. S. Bruce Mould and the Rev. Jody Dausey officiating. Interment will follow in Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. The family suggests contributions to the Port Vue United Methodist Church, 1565 Washington Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15133.

A Masonic Service will be held Sunday, May 21 at 7:30 PM in the funeral home.