Eugene Lewis Bower

Eugene Lewis Bower, 81, of Sedalia, MO passed away Thursday evening , February 28, 2019 at EW Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on October 30, 1937 in Affinity, WV, the son of Virgil H. and Gracie America (Howerton) Bower, who preceded him in death.

Gene moved to Philadelphia in his teens, joined the US Air Force and later made Sedalia his home. He told the family many Stories of Coal City, WV, and about Philadelphia. In the Air Force he went to many places; Azores, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New Foundland, Guam, Germany, Greenland, Italy, Sicily, and Spain. He also visited many bases in the US; Edwards in CA, England AFB in Louisiana, Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX, Richards Gebaur in Belton, MO, Whiteman AFB in Knob Noster, MO, and many others. Gene served his country honorably on active duty and the reserves for 23 years.

Gene met his bride to be, Gloria Jean Elkins, while she worked as a car hop at Eddie's Drive-In. On November 5, 1959 in Sedalia, they were united in marriage. Gene held many jobs and owned several businesses and worked cattle. He worked at Philadelphia gas company as a meter reader, Delongs as a welder, UPS, Waller Trucking, Kelsey Hayes where he retired, and others. He owned a junk store on 3rd Street and Bower Sales CB Radio, South 65 Fina, West Side Fina and Quick Shop on Broadway.

Gene enjoyed working outdoors and gardening. In recent years, he would catch a nap while with his dogs. He was a Third degree Mason and York Rite. Gene was also a member of the American Legion and the NRA.

He was friends with Danny and the Juniors who had "At the Hop" as a famous song. While watching television, it was not uncommon for Gene to say that he had visited there. He rarely met a stranger and thought very highly of a lot of people, especially his Air Force friends and Hayes Wheels co-workers. Gene went through several major surgeries in his life and it never stopped him, even when he was told not to return to work he went back. He worked so hard for his family.

Every night he would say "See you in the morning, if the Good Lord is willing and the creek don't rise".

Gene's wife Gloria survives of the home in Sedalia. He is also survived by two children, Brian Bower of Sedalia and Cheryl Callahan (Clint) of Cole Camp; a brother, Roger Bower (Helen) of PA; a sister, Peggy Montagna of PA; four grandchildren, David Bower II, Kyle Bower, Hilary Weber, and Emily Mayo; and four great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Bower and a brother, Virgil Bower, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia with Rev. Dan Hankins, officiating.

A Masonic service will take place at 1:40 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Rea Funeral Chapel. A Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm until Masonic service time.

Burial will be at New Bethel United Methodist Cemetery, Sedalia. Full military honors provided by the US Air Force Honors Team.

Pallbearers will be the US Air Force Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.