Donald Lee Bowser

Donald Lee Bowser, 95, of Kittanning, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at QLS Sugar Creek. He was born September 22, 1930, in Worthington, Pa., the son of the late Nicholas Clark and Emma (Powell) Bowser, and he was a lifelong resident of Worthington and Center Hill.

Prior to retiring in 1993, Donald was an equipment mechanic and foreman at Moonlight Mushrooms. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict and a member of Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church and also attended First Church of God in Kittanning. He loved to work with wood and built two of his homes. He enjoyed mowing grass and feeding the birds and squirrels. He loved to socialize and would talk to anybody. Dad was the BEST prankster, just ask anyone who camped with him or visited his homes. He was always happy and remained optimistic through his life's trials and was the best storyteller to his children and grandchildren.

He leaves behind to forever cherish his memory: his sons, Tim (Pam) Bowser, of Kittanning and Mark (Vicky) Bowser, of Kittanning; daughter, Leann (Ken) Elkin, of Kittanning; grandchildren, Rebecca (Roy) Claypoole, of Worthington, Chelsea (Jim) Oesterling, of Kittanning, Zachery (Meredith) Elkin, of Sarver, Alex (Bethany) Bowser, of Kittanning, Abby (Lenny) Oesterling, of Worthington and Jacob (Danielle) Bowser, of Worthington; great-grandchildren, Korbin, Isabella and Kiyah Claypoole, of Worthington, Ava, Isaac and Owen Oesterling, of Kittanning, Addison and Easton Elkin, of Sarver, Jase and Gemma Bowser, of Kittanning, Leo, Bristol and Baby Oesterling, of Worthington and Lainey, Nova, Bearett and Ivan Bowser, of Worthington; and brother, Herb Bowser.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sandra (Black) Bowser, whom he married on April 18, 1959 and who passed on Jan. 17, 1993; his beloved granddaughter, Caila Bowser, and great-grandson, Silas Claypoole; 11 siblings; friend, Della McHaddon; and in-laws, Harry and Laura Black.

We, the family, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Quality Life Services Sugar Creek for all the attention and care they gave our dad. He truly enjoyed being there.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning, Pa.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church, 2039 Freeport Road, Kittanning with Dr. Ronald Shafer officiating, with an additional hour of visitation prior to the service.

Interment will be in Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald's honor to Center Hill Covenant Brethren Church or First Church of God in Kittanning.

For more information or to express condolences to the family, please visit: www.snydercrissman.com "Gotcha Last Dad!"

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