Philip Bowers Obituary

Philip H. Bowers

Born: July 15, 1920

Died: June 1, 2017

Philip H. Bowers was born July 15th, 1920. He passed on June 1, 2017.

Drawing from his own notes, which he wrote for this very purpose ten years ago, on January 7, 2007, as he wrote- "smiling at my desk" in the early Sunday morning. Here are his words: "I started playing trombone at age 12, in Marion Wisconsin, and continued throughout my lifetime. Playing paid for 80% of my University of Wisconsin at Madison degree in business, and also probably kept me alive as I played throughout the four years I played in the Army band during World War 2.

I had two careers, meeting my beautiful vocalist wife Carolyn as she performed with the Sherry Sisters, a vocal trio she shared with her two sisters Janie and Paula. This was during the Big Band era, when both of us were traveling on the road with the Dean Hudson Orchestra. We settled in Chicago, where we began raising what became quite a Big Family- seven boys, and each one had a sister! -Polly. (He would always end this statement, even into his 90's with the addition 'so far!')

I started out doing accounting work by days, and continued playing by night. Eventually, I transitioned into insurance, where I would work day and night, with music on the side. I became the General Manager of the Central Office in Chicago, eventually 'retiring' when I turned 60. I still had three kids in college, and so my retirement consisted of continued insurance and securities sales, and music- I pursued what I termed the '3 T's': Trombone, Tennis, and Travel.

I am most proud of our great extended family, and of playing trombone on cable television-NBC, PBS, etc. Carolyn and I performed original music five times on Wall Street Week with Lou Rukeyser on PBS, the only music featured on this television series in its over 30 year run! Carolyn and I shared wonderful travel and music experiences, along with raising all of our children to achieve college degrees." Philip H. Bowers

He is greatly missed by all seven of his sons, his daughter, his grandchildren and great grandson, along with his wife, Carolyn.

He is now comforted by finding his older brother, Ken Bowers, who passed away just one week before he did, waiting for him upon arrival.