WORCESTER – Douglas J. "Poppee" Mowers, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 21, 2011 at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.


He was born January 28, 1946 in Schenevus, the son of Lucius and Mildred (Hren) Mowers.

Doug graduated from Worcester Central School in 1965 and SUNY Cobleskill in 1967 with a degree in Agriculture Engineering.



Doug married Sharon Sperbeck on August 17, 1963 at St. Joseph's Church in Worcester.


He was employed at the Elmhurst Dairy/Worcester Creamery Corporation for 35 years, Mountainside Springs, Mountainside Farms and Mac Farms. He currently was the Director of Transportation at Worcester Central School. Doug was known to all the children as "Poppee". Many of them grew up knowing him through his daughter's daycare center, and grew to love him over the years as much as he loved them.

Doug was active in many community organizations, including the Worcester Emergency Squad, Boys Scouts of America, the Worcester Wheelers, FFA Club and he was also a councilman for two terms for the town of Decatur. He was also a member of the NYS Sanitarian Association, NYS Christmas Tree Association, NRA and Wieting Memorial Association. He continued to support his family's Worcester Central School award, the Donald and Cleo Hall Athletic Award.


Doug was very passionate about his Christmas Tree business, planting over tens of thousands of trees. He was an avid outdoorsman, from hunting and fishing to honey bees and birds. His greatest passion was his beloved grandchildren. He was a wonderful teacher to them, making sure they knew how to be safe hunters, understanding conservation, projects in his wood shop and much to Grammie's chagrin it was important to teach all grandchildren how to whistle. He enjoyed being involved in every aspect of their lives.


He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Mowers; their children, Susie Baker of Worcester, Diana and Joe Hughes of Cooperstown and James Mowers of Worcester; Poppee's beloved grandchildren are, Jeffrey, Adam and Nathan Baker, Emilee Klein, Molly, Megan and Elizabeth Hughes, Aimee, Victoria and Sorchia Mowers; and his brother, Irving Frank Mowers of Worcester and many nieces, nephews and cousins.


He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Eva Louise Mowers.


Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester.


A memorial service will be 10am Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at the Second Baptist Church in Worcester, with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle, pastor, officiating.


Contributions may be made to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY or to the Douglas J. Mowers Memorial Scholarship for Early Childhood Development, c/o Worcester Central School, 182 Main St., Worcester, NY 12197


Online condolences may be sent to the family at, www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com


The E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester, is serving the family.