Karlton D. Bowers

Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

A funeral home service will take place at 11:00 AM.

Burial will follow at New Paltz Rural Cemetery Ulster County Veteran's Section.

Karlton D. Bowers, 81, of Marbletown, passed away on March 1, 2025, at Health Alliance Hospital in Kingston. Born October 12, 1943, in the Bronx, New York City, he was the son of the late Karlton W. and Katherine (Groeters) Bowers.

Karlton devoted his life to service, faith, and family. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967, and continued his commitment as a recruiter for the U.S. Army and later as a payroll clerk for the U.S. Army Reserve. His military service and work as a reservist took him across the globe, with time spent in Germany, Turkey, Spain, Guatemala, and other countries, broadening his horizons and fostering a deep appreciation for different cultures.

A pivotal moment in Karlton's life came in his forties when he underwent a bypass surgery. This experience profoundly changed him. He embraced a healthier lifestyle, stopped smoking and drinking, and deepened his faith. He viewed the subsequent years as a precious gift from God.
This renewed commitment eventually led him to be a dedicated volunteer at his church, Living Word Chapel. He also channeled his passion for sharing his faith by contributing to the production of a local Christian television show with Rabbi Michael Zeitler. Karlton also had coaching experience with a local baseball team.

It was through his faith-driven service that he met his wife, Olga and his step-son Max. Karlton volunteered with Operation Carelift, a Christian charity dedicated to sending aid and toys to children in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. During his volunteer work, he traveled to Russia and Belarus, forming lasting relationships.

Beyond his service and faith, Karlton found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid collector of antique coins and stamps, each piece a small window into history. He also had a lifelong passion for cars, even working as a mechanic for a time. He indulged this passion by owning several sports cars, convertibles, and a motorcycle throughout his life. Later in life he found delight in the familiar humor and warmth of classic television shows. Evenings often found him revisiting the beloved characters of "I Love Lucy," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "M*A*S*H,".

Karlton is survived by his wife, Olga Bowers; his son, Maxim Shkurygin; his sister, Kathy Grace Cunningham; and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.