Richard Jay Bowers, 69, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana passed away at 9:07 AM at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Richard was born December 11, 1953 to Arvel Jay and Vera Lee (Curtis) Bowers in Fairfield, Illinois. He was an avid NASCAR fan and especially fond of Jeff Gordon. He loved to squirrel hunt. Richard had a heart of gold and took great pride in providing for his family. Surviving are his son Kevin J. Bowers of Carmi, Illinois and stepsons, William J. Respondek of Florida and James R. Goodman of Desoto, Illinois. Two step grandchildren, Luke Goodman Deleonordis of St. Louis, Missouri and Isabella Marie Respondek of Sellersburg, Indiana. Also surviving are nephews , Stacy Allen Bowers, son of Russel Bowers and wife, Silke of Fairview Heights, Illinois, Larry French of Illinois, and Wayne Basinger of California and niece, Lisa Dawn (French) Laird of Waltonville, Illinois. Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie Bowers, his parents, brother, Russell Bowers and sister, Velma Downes. Funeral services for Richard Jay Bowers will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery near Albion, Illinois. Visitation will be Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com