Melvin John Bowers

Melvin Bowers, 80, of Beekman, Louisiana, also known to his family as “John Henry”; passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at the Ochsner LSU Health Center in Shreveport.  He was born on February 16, 1940, in Empire, La., to his parents, David and Annette Buras Bowers, was of the Catholic faith, and a resident of Beekman for the last twenty-one years.

Melvin was a commercial fisherman his entire life.

Over the years, the collection of stories from his nautical adventures grew exceedingly, and he loved sharing them. 

Melvin was outgoing and social and never knew a stranger.  He enjoyed grilling, boiling seafood, and spending time with his family.  He loved sharing fresh seafood, fruit, and vegetables with his family and friends.

He enjoyed building model boats, cajun dancing, and working in his yard.  He loved his pets and especially loved his family.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Nelwyn Buras Bowers; one son, John Bowers of Beekman; one daughter, Nell Lynette Landry and husband, Scott, of Minden, La.; two grandchildren, Seth Landry and wife, Kayla, of Haughton, La., and Jake Landry and wife, Allison, of Monroe, La.; two great-grandchildren, Nora and Aubrey Kate; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 7, at Medders Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 8, at Medders Funeral Home Chapel, 1564 Hwy 52 W, Crossett, with Bro. Taylor Freeland officiating, followed by interment at Stevenson Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the River Cities Humane Society For Cats.

Medders Funeral Home is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funerals and visitations according to the Arkansas Governor’s mandates.  All attendees must provide and wear a face mask upon entering and comply with social distancing and sanitizing guidelines.

Temperatures will be scanned, and masks are required for entry.

Those that are considered high risk, running fever, or have been recently exposed to someone positive with COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home to protect themselves and others.

This service will be live streamed on the Medders Funeral Home Facebook page for those wishing to attend the service remotely.  You can click on the link below to be redirected to the page:

http://facebook.com/meddersfuneralhome

A downloadable service program will be available at the bottom of this page the day of the service for printing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin John Bowers, please visit our floral store.