He was born on July 1, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa to Edd and Eleanor Chleboun Bowers. The family moved to Grinnell, where his father taught and coached at Grinnell College and his mother taught in the Grinnell School System. Wally grew up in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1969. He was an outstanding athlete, following his father's footsteps, and was the youngest 'Club Champion' at the Grinnell Golf and Country Club and won Punt, Pass and Kick competitions. He attended Grinnell College and studied Art History. In 1970, he accompanied his parents to the University of Lorenco Marquis in Mozambique, Africa and assisted his father with golf and basketball instruction. Bill graduated from Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA in 1975. He lived in various areas of the United States and returned to Grinnell to make his home with his wife, Sherry. He was a carpenter and woodworker by trade. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren and his dog, George. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Bowers of Grinnell; his daughter, Courtney Lund Ryan of Pennsylvania; his step daughter, Marcie Mitchell of Johnston, Iowa; three grandchildren, Ethan Mitchell, Braden Hasty and Walker Ryan; and two sisters, Cindy Fulton of Worton, Maryland and Debbie Johnson of Trophy Club, Texas; his uncle, Dick (Doris) Bowers of Montezuma; and his aunt, Nancy (Duane) Lowe of Wheaton, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to PALS and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.