Keith A. Bowersox

Keith A. Bowersox, 79, of Elliston, Ohio, passed away Thursday, June 28, 2012 at his home. He was born in Fremont, Ohio on October 10, 1932 to Lester C. & Lillian (Humburg) Bowersox. The family moved to Morrison Road when he was very young, where he grew to maturity. In high school, his success in athletics was nothing to shout about, but he was the East Side badminton and croquet champ in 1947. He also played softball and baseball. He graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1950. Keith was in the U.S. Army 1953-1955, and was a Tech Inspector with the 13th Helicopter Company at Uijongbu, Republic of Korea. After his military service, he enrolled in Bowling Green State University and earned a Bachelors degree in 1961, and a Masters in 1969. Following graduation he lived for three years in Mechanicsburg, Ohio where he taught junior high social studies. He then taught a year at Fremont Ross, and then 24 years at Oak Harbor High School. While there, he was a basketball and golf coach and football and basketball PA announcer: The legendary "Voice of the Rockets". He also was assistant principal for a time before returning to teaching. He was an O.E.A. and N.E.A. member and was a Jennings Scholar, In 1988 he retired from teaching. He was baptized and confirmed at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fremont, Ohio. He attended St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, where he was once an Assistant Sunday School Superintendent. For the last 42 years, he was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Blackberry, serving as a Deacon and supplying the "Voice of God" in skits. His interest in genealogy began in the '50s and continued all his life. He enjoyed travelling to various cemeteries, libraries, courthouses, and churches. He was a member of Bauersachs International Genealogical Society and attended most US reunions and one German tour. On April 25, 1953, he married Alice Dreier in Trinity Lutheran Church, Elmore, and she survives. Also surviving are his children, Alan (Sher) Bowersox, William Bowersox, Paul Bowersox, and Elaine Bowersox; 10 awesome grandchildren, including American Idol runner-up, Crystal, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Carroll and Jack Bowersox; grandchild, Haley May; and nephew, Mike Bowersox. Friends are invited to call from 2-8 P.M. Sunday at Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, July 2, 2012 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Monty Kaufman officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Elliston Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church (Blackberry), Martin, Ohio. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH