Obituary of John Wilbur Bower

John Wilbur Bower was born May 1, 1934 in Mancelona, Michigan in a logging camp. He was one of five children born from the late Wilbur Bower and the late Pearl (Harrison) Bower. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country for four years until he was honorable discharged in 1955.

John married the love of his life, Catherine Clair on September 6, 1958 and from that union came the birth of their daughter. To support his family John did many things including working as a real estate agent, an investor, a hairdresser, until he found his passion and became a firefighter. He worked at the Watertown Fire Department in Massachusetts for 19 years until he retired in 1981. He was active in the VFW and was a former member of the Moose lodge and Elks.

He enjoyed the outdoors fishing and tending to his garden. He had a passion for speed and this was known with his fascination for his race boats and race cars. One of Johns greatest achievements was building a 3-story log cabin all by himself in the New Hampshire mountains.

John loved to gamble and went to the casino as much as he could to test his luck. He enjoyed cooking, drinking beer and traveling as he was known to not stay in one place too long. John, having lived in California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Florida and Arizona. He also loved to share stories of his life adventures.

John Wilbur Bower, age 83, of LaSalle, Michigan passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. He is preceded in death by his wife Catherine Bower in 2008, his sisters: Hellen Killion, Vida Kenney and Joyce Mainzinger in 2013, and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves behind his companion of 11 years, Vernonia “Ronnie” Carlson; his daughter Tammi of Phoenix, Arizona; his granddaughter Dakotah of Phoenix, Arizona; his sister Jeanne Gonia of Las Vegas, Nevada; several nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm-8:00pm on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 with a Celebration of His Life held at 7:00pm with Homero Ortiz officiating. Burial will take place at National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.