James Bowersock

VAN WERT, Ohio - James L. Bowersock, 76, of Van Wert, died at 3:47 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.

He was born Sept. 23, 1936, in Van Wert, to the late Mary (Ditto) Bowersock and Virgil "Toe" Bowersock.

His wife, Sharon (Leiter) Bowersock, survives in Van Wert. They were married Oct. 8, 1983.

Other survivors include a daughter: Kerry Speer of Marion, Ohio; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Ted and Patty Kiehl of Van Wert; mother-in-law: Louise Leiter of Van Wert; sisters: Darla (Richard) Neiford of Van Wert, and his grandchildren: Daniel and Eric Speer. He also is survived by several nieces.

He worked at several positions in marketing at Central Mutual Insurance Co., Van Wert, retiring in May of 1999 after 42 years of service. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Van Wert. He was also a member of Van Wert ELKS; past member of Van Wert Sertoma and served in the Ohio National Guard for three years. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, movies, cars, car shows and most of all - spending time with his loving family.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. The Revs. Paul Miller and Gus Christo-Baker will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, Ohio.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is First United Methodist Church or Cross Over the Hill.