Jack Emerson Dowers, 81

Jack Emerson Dowers, 81, Coeur d'Alene, died March 13, 2011, at Kootenai Medical Center. God chose a sunny Sunday morning to take His faithful servant Home. Jack was born Dec. 6, 1929, in St. George, Utah, to Chester Manual and Mary Louise (Wells) Dowers.

He grew up in Coeur d'Alene, graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1948, obtained a B.A. degree from Whitworth College, Spokane in 1953; received a Master of Divinity from Northern Baptist Seminary, Chicago, Ill., in 1956. Jack and Mary (Kruger) Dowers were married in Chicago on Sept. 14, 1956.

Jack served as Pastor of First Baptist Church, Yakima, Wash., from 1956-58, Greater Parish of the Cascades, Roslyn, Wash., from 1959-64, First Baptist Church, Oak Harbor, Wash., from 1965-75. He then entered the U.S. Navy as a Chaplain for 20 years. He served two tours in Vietnam. He received both the Navy Achievement and Commendation Medals. He then pastored First Baptist Church, Coeur d'Alene for six years.

He and Mary retired together in 1996. He was elected Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church in July 2003. He was currently a member and Deacon of Community Presbyterian Church in Post Falls. Jack had a degree in religious music, played the French horn, directed choirs and loved music. He enjoyed camping, fishing and pottery.

Survivors include: wife Mary at home; sons: Gene Earl (wife Carlene) of Pateros, Wash., Nathan Craig (wife Robbie) of Kingston, Wash., and daughter Cheryl Denise (husband Scott) of Poulsbo, Wash.; grandsons: Jack E. Dowers, Jason Whisnant and Danny Dowers; granddaughters: Tiffany Whisnant, Kelsey and Micah Dowers and Jessi Dowers; and sister Donna Jancura of Ephrata, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: twin Gene E. Dowers, Ralph M. Dowers and M. Dann Dowers; sisters: Eleanor L. Streator and Elizabeth Panteleef.

Contributions of memory may be directed to: CPC Music Fund, Community Presbyterian Church 417 N. William St., Post Falls, ID 83854.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011, at Community Presbyterian Church; committal with military honors at 2 p.m. at Forest Cemetery, Coeur d'Alene. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, is entrusted with care of final arrangements.