Obituary for Mr. William C. “Billy” Bowker UTICA – Mr. William C. “Billy” Bowker, age 65, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with those he loved close to his heart. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 11, 1952, William was the son of the late Gerald H. and Catherine (Kebart) Bowker. In 1954 the family made Utica their home.
Billy was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Billy honorably served his country during the Vietnam Era. He always wore his hat bedecked with his medals and memorabilia that told of his military merit and patriotism.
At one time, he was married to the former Mary Borgia and to their relationship came the blessing and bond of a daughter. Billy worked as a professional truck driver for a number of companies as well as a self-employed driver. An over-the-road trucker, he loved the open-road and the countryside.
Billy was an awesome, honorable, generous, good person. He loved life. As a kid, he found ways to have fun, and as a dad, he was easy-going, and fun loving.
His appearance, aspect, and attitude reflected his easy-going nature and free spirit. He grew his hair long, and he was his own boss. He was mechanically inclined and was always building, fixing, engineering, and burning rubber with his radio-controlled cars.
But drag racing was Billy’s passion, a sport he pursued in Utica, Rome, and Albany as well as many other venues. When he wasn’t in the stands watching the race, he was in the pit with the crew. He was the epitome of an enthusiastic “motor head”.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #229 in North Utica and the VFW Post #6001 in Yorkville. In looking back, Billy was most proud of having served his country and was always mindful and respectful of all veterans. He was a God-fearing man who had an unbreakable bond with his fellow veterans and always had them in his thoughts.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Alison Bowker; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jon and Terry Bowker, and Kenneth and Janice Bowker; and his half-brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Sherry Bowker. He also leaves many nieces and nephews including Melissa, Jessica, Jon Jr. and Amber; Amy; Holly, Heather, and Heidi; great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, Thomas A. Borgia and Maria Rosato; his best friend and additional “brother” Edwin Heath, among many other great guys who shared in his life. The family is grateful to the Veterans Administration services in Syracuse and Rome; and the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 28th at a time to be announced at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Military Honors will be conferred by the US Army.
Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are incomplete. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. William C. “Billy” Bowker please visit our Sympathy Store.
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