Larry Bowers

Larry Eugene Bowers, longtime Riley County resident, passed away on May 26, 2024, in Manhattan after a long hard-fought battle with Parkinson's.

He was born on June 3, 1939, on a farm east of Munden, Kansas to Joye William Bowers and Lucille Sunshine (Verley) Bowers. He attended school in Munden, where he excelled in basketball and academics. Larry received his B.S. and M.S. degrees, followed by a Doctorate (Ed.D.) from Northern Illinois University in 1966. He took flying lessons while attending graduate school to be able to fly from his hometown of Downers Grove, IL to N.I.U. in DeKalb, IL.

Dr. Bowers worked his way up from student teaching to the position of Principal of Downers Grove North High, west of Chicago. Later he became a superintendent of schools, first in southwest Kansas and in 1999-2005 superintendent of Riley County School District. As superintendent, he was involved in his school's extracurricular activities and dances. He would be remembered as a loving husband to his late wife, Ruth Freda (Seeley) Bowers and the father to son, Daniel Garrett Bowers and daughter, Mary Amanda Bowers.

Dr. Bowers was preceded in death by his parents, his late wife "Nubby", daughter Amanda Bowers and niece Tiffany Bowers Holm. Larry is survived by his wife Carolyn Bowers of the home, his son Daniel Bowers, brother Phillip (Aleda) Bowers along with their twin sons, Todd and Lane Bowers and their families. He is also survived by one granddaughter Kayla Bowers Hay (Justin), one great grandson Logan Hay, and sister-in-law Mary Seeley Easton.

Lastly, Larry is survived by his stepchildren James Thomas Knostman (Jennifer), Daniel Peck Knostman (Catherine), Nancy Knostman Supernor (Jamie) and six step-grandchildren, Noah, Noel and Harrison Knostman as well as Savannah, Sophie and Emersyn Supernor. Larry was not only a leader in his field and to his families, but his positive, uplifting personality and every ready smile will be sorely missed!

Memorial Services will be June 15, 2024, at 10:30 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Manhattan on 8th & Leavenworth with Pastor Kelly Pittman officiating. Immediately following, there will be a reception downstairs in Fisher Hall. Inurnment will take place at a later date in both Munden and Wamego, KS. Memorials may be made to Meadowlark Parkinson's Support Group and/or First Presbyterian Church. These may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home of Riley, KS.