Clyde R. Bowyer, Jr., age 73 of Alexandria and formerly of Elwood, died January 13, 2015 in Tipton following an extended illness. He was born September 12, 1941 in Jeffersonville, the son of Clyde R. Bowyer, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Swift). Clyde retired from Borg Warner Corp. in 2006 after 16 years of service. He also formerly worked at Firestone Corp. for several years.


Clyde was a 1960 graduate of Alexandria High School, and later served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era for 8 years and 2 months of active duty in the Nuclear Submarine program, and conducted many top-secret missions. During that time, he received numerous awards for firearms and battle efficiency; medals for conduct and character; and letters of accommodation. He was honorably discharged in December of 1992 as a Senior Chief MMCS. Clyde also served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves in capacity of Reserve Unit Chief Master of Arms and Reserve Components Senior Command Chief.


He married Rita P. Robertson on August 27, 1966, and they shared 41 years of marriage before her passing in 2007. Clyde was also a 34-year member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 in Elwood; member of various York Rite Bodies; served as a Cub Scout Leader and 4-H Leader; lifetime member of both the N.R.A. and Alexandria V.F.W. #1952; and former Associate Bethel Guardian for Jobs Daughters. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gun collecting, being outdoors, and especially spending time with his grand-kids. Clyde was Baptized in Charleston, Indiana early in his life, and remained devoted to studying the Bible and memorizing scripture. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.


Clyde's family includes 3 children, Samantha (Brian) Shaw of Valparaiso, David (wife Melissa) Bowyer of Noblesville, and Nora Bowyer of Elwood; siblings, Steven W. Buttler of Alexandria, James (wife Marilyn) Bowyer of Alexandria, and Carolyn Mallory of Noblesville; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; in-laws, Luana (husband Gene) Castor, Jerry (wife Kate) Robertson, and Ann (husband Darrell) Burton; and beloved dog, "Pudgie". He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita P. Bowyer in 2007; son, John D. Bowyer in 2014; and a baby sister, Mildred Joann Bowyer.


Funeral services celebrating Clyde's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Becker of the Main Street Wesleyan Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the U.S. Military and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 from 4 to 8 PM at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a 7:00 PM Masonic Memorial Ritual. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alternatives, Inc. (a program for families affected by domestic violence) through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.copherfeslermay.com.