Lionel G. Bowser

Lionel Green Bowser, 98, passed away on August 5, 2020 at his home under the care of his loving family. Born on September 25, 1921 to Losson Green and Mary Ann Sarah Bowser in Pocatello, Idaho, he was the fourth of five sons. Lionels earliest years were spent on the Bowser Dairy, south of Pocatello. The dairy was later moved to the Tyhee, Chubbuck area. He often spoke of "moving day" because they drove the herd of cows through downtown Pocatello. He attended Tyhee Elementary, Franklin Junior High, and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1941. In high school he played football and basketball and served as Senior Class President. He was proud to play the first game in "the Pit" at PHS. Following high school Lionel attended Brigham Young University on a basketball scholarship. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His college experience qualified him for and he was assigned to the V-12 program, a program to train Navy and Marine officers. While waiting to be called for service, he worked and played basketball for Ricks College. He was called to report for duty on July 1, 1943 but he married his high school sweetheart, Bryanetta Proctor instead. He left July 2nd for the USMC. Dad was one day late, but no one seemed to notice, he went to Western Michigan College, Kalamazoo, MI to begin officer training. After a year in Kalamazoo he went on to Paris Island, SC. boot camp and finally to Quantico, VA. He served in the South Pacific in Guam and Okinawa as a Lieutenant. After the Japanese surrender, his unit was sent to China to repatriate the Japanese soldiers and help the Chinese Nationalists against the Red Chinese Army. Lionel led the first platoon into Peking (now Beijing). Serving on the Colonials staff, he often attended social gatherings at the Chiang Kai-Shek Palace. Lionel received an honorable discharge and returned to Pocatello to help with his brothers dry-cleaning businesses in Pocatello and Blackfoot. During this time, both he and Bryanetta also completed their educations at Idaho State College and became educators. In 1955, Lionel began teaching government at Pocatello High School and served as Athletic Director. Dad became Pocatello High Schools first vice principal which prepared him to become the first principal at Highland High School in 1963. He, his staff, and students established many of the traditions that remain with HHS today. The tradition of excellence in academics and athletics continue today. Dad served on several statewide committees, was inducted into the Idaho Educators Hall of Fame and the IHSAA Hall of Fame. After retiring in 1984, Lionel continued to attend and enjoy many high school activities. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed activities and vacations with family. Dad loved to take drives and usually stopped for ice cream. Island Park, Yellowstone Park, and California were favorite destinations. He particularly enjoyed fishing, camping, and boating. He was an avid bridge player and family board games and card games were very competitive. Dad won the State of Idaho hand ball championship and enjoyed playing for many years. Mom and Dad were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple August 15, 1998. We will always remember his sense of humor, love for life, and his love of family. Lionel was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years; his parents; brothers, Art, Lee, and Russell Henry (Henery); and granddaughter, Paige Bowser. He is survived by his five children: Carol (Jim) Mahar, Becky (Ted) Hopkins, Bryan (Renee) Bowser, Rick (Laura) Bowser, and Mark (Rebecca) Bowser; his brother, David (Pat) Bowser; and brother-in-law, Brad (Joyce) Powell. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The family is appreciative of the tender, care provided by Marian, Katie, Cassie, and others at Heritage Hospice. Dad loved supporting School District 25 activities and would appreciate any contributions to Pay to Play, for all extracurricular activities. Donations may be made at Pocatello SD 25, 3115 Pole Line Rd., Pocatello, ID 83201 or to the Lionel and Bryanetta Scholarship at the Idaho State University Foundation, 921 S 8th Ave., STOP 8050, Pocatello, Idaho 83209. A viewing will be held on Monday, August 10, 2020 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID. All who attend will be asked to wear a mask and honor social distancing. Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 11 am at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, ID. Section 53E. Please wear masks and bring umbrellas and chairs.

Viewing

08/10/2020 18:00

20:00:00

Sunset Memorial Park

2296 Kimberly Road

Twin Falls

Idaho

83301



Graveside Service

08/11/2020 11:00



Colonial Chapel

2005 S 4th Ave

Pocatello

Idaho

83201