Michael J. “Mike” Bowers, 78, of Jackson, formerly of Quincy, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Litchfield with Reverend Alan Fenstermaker officiating. Interment will follow in Whig Center Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Friday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.
He was born on March 23, 1945 in Albion to the late John E. and Inez (Salmon) Bowers.
Mike graduated from Litchfield High School in 1963. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and went on to Western Michigan University where he received his Master’s degree in Education. While at MSU, Mike was on the Track and Field team, where he competed in High Jump. He was a two time Big Ten High Jump Champion in 1965 and 1967 and earned All American honors in 1970. He was the first athlete to clear seven feet in the Big Ten.
Mike was a lifelong Michigan State fan. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, golfing, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Mike was a member of the Moose Lodge of Coldwater, Elks Lodge of Coldwater and Rotary Club in Bronson.
Mike is survived by five sons, Shawn Bowers of Homer, Jason (Vicky) Bowers of Pittsford, Nicholas (Laura) Bowers of Clinton Twp, Aaron (Deanna) Bowers of Bradenton, FL, Gregory (Jolyn) Bowers of Indianapolis, IN; one sister, Margaret Leach of Battle Creek; sister-in-law, Harriet Bowers of Bluffton, SC; 12 grandchildren Christopher, John, Zachary, Alexander, Hailey, Samantha, Kaitlyn, Anthony, Montana, Mekayla, Mallory and Lauren, and his 8 great-grandchildren and his significant other, Linda Ball.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marlin “Buster” Bowers and brother-in-law Tom Leach.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Litchfield Athletic Boosters or the American Diabetes Association.
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