Frederick Urban Bowers III

Fred Bowers, age 77, passed away Friday, February 13th, 2026 at his home in Milton, FL having fought melanoma.

Born on December 7, 1948; Fred was raised in Northridge, California. His early interests being hot rods and surfing, started his love affair with music. Artists he enjoyed were the likes of Chuck Berry and Dick Dale and the Deltones. Later on, he volunteered for service, joining early, and was recruited by the Navy. For 20 years of active and 4 years of inactive in the Naval Reserves, Fred served in the US Navy, retiring as an E7 in cryptology . His service time nurtured his interest in history, going on to study at San Diego Evening College (AA), Pepperdine University (BA), and finishing at Central Michigan University (MA).

He met his future wife of 55 years, Ruth Woolley, after initially getting out of the Navy. They would raise two sons and a daughter, returning to duty stations in California whenever possible. Throughout his life, Fred taught as a professor (University of Maryland and Alaska, adjunct), private Christian schools, substituted at public schools, held Bible studies, and opened his home to struggling youth. He was always willing to give of his time to those in need of a father, ministering to the needs of others as well as his own family. Faith was always central in his life since having become a Christian in 1973, but humor was a close second. Known for his exhaustive repertoire of “dad jokes” or recounting family history, Fred was always enjoyed by his family and friends. Part of his interest in family history led to genealogy; learning of his colonial ancestry, he became a member of “Sons of the American Revolution.”

He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Ruth Bowers, who was with him to the end; two sons, Fred and Sean, and their wives, Nancy and Lorena; one daughter, Renee, and her husband, Shamus; five grandchildren, Nikolaas, Brodie, Evan, Amelia, Lucy, and one great grandchild, Ginny.

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