James DeBower

James Ellis ‘Slayer’ DeBower, 39, of Waterloo, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2021 in Waterloo.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home in Charles City. James’ teacher and coach, Eric Hoefer, will be officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021 at Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home.

James Ellis DeBower, son of Randy and Barbara DeBower was born on Dec. 24, 1981 in Storm Lake, IA. James grew up and was educated in Charles City receiving his diploma in 2000. Later, he graduated from La James College in Massage Therapy. Throughout his education, his love of creating and performing music continued his entire life. He worked at Tyson Foods for the last 14 years as freezer load-out trainer, Union Representative and had just received a promotion to orientation leader for the KPR division. All the time he maintained his musical interests.

In 2019 James and his true love Tawny Lyons began to share their lives in a home in Waterloo, along with their cats, Killer, Bast and Ravage.

James’ musical interests led him to playing guitar, bass and synthesizers for several bands and solo ventures, with a long running one, known as Mekanikal Soul.

Living family members include his daughters: Alexandra Smith and DaisyAnn Putney; girlfriend, Tawny Lyons; parents, Randy and Barb DeBower; brother, Steven DeBower; best friend, Zach Friest; grandmother, Janice DeBower; uncles and aunts: Kim and Laura DeBower, Apopka, FL, Tom and Kathy DeBower, Carpenter, IA, Dan and Christie DeBower, Paul Royal, Darrell and Jennie Ross, all of Charles City. He is also survived by numerous cousins, great uncles and aunts plus countless close friends and followers.

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Larry DeBower, George Royal, Florene Royal Johnson, Laverne ‘Johnny’ Johnson; and uncle and aunt, Jim and Becky Royal.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks for the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and co-workers.

Hauser Weishaar Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, 1205 South Main Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616 is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall for the family at www.hauserfh.com.