E. L. Bowers, Sr., 79, of Etowah, TN passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 at his residence. He was a son of the late Lewis and Ona Ray Bowers and a member of the Englewood Manila Masonic Lodge 633; he served in the US Air Force in Korea and retired at TVA as a carpenter. He enjoyed fishing and was an eternal optimist.

Preceded in death by his brothers, Tom Bowers and Clarence Bowers; sisters, Bobbie Melton and Faye Goodman; and great-grandson, Keagan Roberts

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Margie Qualls Bowers; children, John Qualls, Sarah Kincaid, Tony Bowers, Elmer Leonard Bowers, Jr., Jason Qualls, Julie Baker, Joseph Bowers, Danny Bowers, David Bowers and Deanna Sheffey; 26 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August, 19, 2015 in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home, funeral service will follow with Rev. Stan Hammonds officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m., to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, prior to the service.

Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015 and proceed to Mars Hill Cemetery for the 12:00 noon committal service.

Keith Roberts, Joshua Bowers, Joey Bowers, Chris Bowers, John Kincaid and Hunter Qualls will serve as pallbearers.