Pictured are (from left): Troy Latham, Theresa Latham, Sherry Bowers and Naylor Bowers.
September 22, 2020 - Family members of former Tenaha mayor George Bowers were present for the August 24, 2020 Tenaha City Council meeting, and were presented an honor recognizing the service of Bowers who was laid to rest Tuesday, August 4, 2020.
At the beginning of the meeting, City Secretary Amanda Treat spoke and presented the family with a plaque on behalf of the city,
"George N. Bowers was born and raised on a farm in the Cedar Yard Community halfway between Tenaha and Center. He graduated from Center High School. He served his country in the Navy during World War II. After his discharge from the Navy he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served as a machine gunner. After serving his country, he moved back home and married Laura Peddy, which they have two children Theresa and Naylor, who both grew up in Tenaha.
"George started Tenaha Milling Company, a feed store business along with his father-in-law. He later sold the business and worked in the post office. George and Laura had a retail business on the [Tenaha] square. He was active in the Tenaha Businessman's Club, Tenaha Quarterback Club and the Tenaha Industrial Foundation as well as other civic duties. He worked within these organizations to better the community. He was instrumental in getting doctors in town, a pharmacy, the Hope Clinic and several businesses.
"He was a director and one of the founders of Citizens State Bank, which he served in for 64 years. George Bowers was an active man who wanted to serve the community he lived in. George Bowers, in addition to these other services, ran for and was elected mayor of Tenaha, he served the town well for over 50 years, he was the longest serving mayor in Texas. He guided the city effectively through good times and troubled times. His pay for this work was he got his water bill free. George Bowers was a man of integrity and served Tenaha in many different capacities to the best of his ability. He is well-deserving of the recognition of his service."
Treat then stated on behalf of the Tenaha City Council, mayor, and city employees they were presenting the family with a plaque which read as follows:
"In memory of George Bowers, who faithfully served the city of Tenaha as mayor for 56 years. We are forever grateful for his wisdom and guidance. Presented to the Bowers family this day August 24, 2020."
