Clinton Bowers

Clinton “Clint” Knight Bowers II, 84, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his home on August 3rd, 2025.

Clinton was born August 7, 1940 in Jackson, Mississippi. The son of Clinton Knight Sr and Willie Faye (Stennet) Bowers. He was the oldest of 4 children.

Clinton attended Whitfield Elemenary, Enoch Junior High transferring to the newly built Hardy Junior High in eighth grade and graduating from Provine High School in 1958. During high school, Clinton worked part time assisting sports reporters for several Jackson newspapers, occasionally even having his own by-line.

Clinton joined the Navy in 1958, initially serving on the destroyer USS Shelton DD790 from 1959 to 1963 and then volunteering for submarine duty and serving on the USS George Bancroft SSBN 643 Gold Crew from 1963 to 1971 and finally on the USS Von Stueben SSBN632B Blue Crew in 1971. Clinton’s final post was as an instructor at the Navy submarine school in Groton, CT before retiring in 1976 having risen to the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Clinton married Norma Jean Harper on August 30, 1963 in Pacific Beach, Washington. They met while he was on leave from the nearby Bremerton Naval Base. Norma preceded Clinton in passing on February 24, 2018 after 54 years of marriage

Following his naval service, he worked for Monsanto Corporation as an electrical design and technical project manager for chemical plant construction at various locations across the country.

Clint especially loved coin collecting, gardening and rock polishing as hobbies. For many years he belonged to a fishing club in the Belleville area. Norma and Clint were also avid St. Louis Cardinals fans.

Clint was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and he and Norma were very active in DAV efforts benefitting veterans in the St. Louis area for many years.

Remaining to cherish Clinton’s memory are his:

• Daughter: Kimberly Jean Trent
• Grandchildren:
  • James Ren of Lawrence, KS
  • Chloe Ren of Olathe, KS
  • Natalie Ren of Kansas City, KS
  • Matthew Ren of Olathe, KS
• Nephew: Frank Bowers of Klamath Falls, OR
• Niece: Susan Bowers Frasier of Eustis, FL
• Cousins:
  • Millard Quigly of Petal, MS
  • Mary Travato of Madison, MS
  • Johnnie Warren of Magee, MS
  • Deborah Baldwin of Magee, MS

Preceding Clinton in death are his:

• Wife: Norma Jean nee, Harper Bowers
• Son: Clinton Knight Bowers III
• Parents: Clinton Sr. and Willie Faye
• Brothers: Frank, George and John

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home