Kenneth Leroy Bowser, age 92, of New Bethlehem, passed away Sunday morning, January 18, 2015 at the McKinley Health Center in Brookville.

Born March 11, 1922 in Distant, Armstrong County, he was a son of the late Thomas and Mary Crisswell Bowser.

Ken was a veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II and was the Golden Gloves Boxing Champ from 1941 thru 1943 while serving his country.

He married the former Jean Louise Anthony on March 15, 1947 and she preceded him in death on Saturday, October 4, 2014.

The couple bought the New Bethlehem Hotel in 1969 and together, owned and operated the establishment until 2002.

Ken worked as a lineman supervisor for Conrail, retiring in 1984 after 27 years of service and was also a former Justice of the Peace in New Bethlehem.

He was an avid golfer and hunter.

Ken was a member of the Walter Craig American Legion Post #354 of New Bethlehem, the VETS Club and a lifetime member of the MOOSE.

Survivors include three children: Sherry Lee Zadrozny of Clinton, Mississippi; Kenneth Bowser, Jr. and his wife, Shelby, of New Bethlehem and Randy Bowser and his wife, Sandra, of New Bethlehem; eight grandchildren: Jackie Lee Armagost and wife, Jennifer; Anthony Zadrozny and wife, Heather; Chester Jack Zadrozny and wife, Angie; Michael Bowser and wife, Tracey; Carissa Bowser, Kelsey Bowser, Jordonna Bowser and Nathaniel Bowser.

Ken is also survived by ten great grandchildren: Margie Wilshire and her husband, Eddie; Eryn Armagost, Zoe Armagost, Brock Zadrozny, Ethan Zadrozny, Kenner Zadrozny, Taylor Zadrozny, Whitt Zadrozny, Macy Bowser and Declan Bowser; two great great grandchildren: Makayla Couch and Jonus Wilshire.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers: James “Jim” Bowser, Marion “Dick” Bowser and Robert “Bob” Bowser; two sisters, Mary Ann Kennedy and Cleo Freedline; daughter-in-law, Kathy Bowser and two sons-in-law, Chester Jack Zadrozny and Robert Duane Armagost

Family and friends will be received from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the Rupert Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel, 233 Penn Street, New Bethlehem.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015 in the funeral home chapel with the Reverend Cyndy Dixon officiating over the service.

Immediately following the funeral service, the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post #374 of New Bethlehem will honor their fallen comrade.

Interment will follow in the New Bethlehem Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to Ken’s family at www.rupertfuneralhomes.com.