John Watson Bower died Friday, April 10, 2015, at the age of 84.

He is survived by his wife: Esther Gates Bower; son: John W. (Mindy) Bower Jr., Wabash; and daughter: Rebecca (Robert Sr.) Bower Kramer, Portage, Mich.; grandchildren: Caitlin (Tyler) Kramer Pawl and Kelsey Kramer, both of Las Vegas; Robert Kramer, Jr., Boston; Mass.; John Kramer, Portage, Mich.; Melissa (Cameron) Carter Cook, Fort Wayne; Caroline Bower, Charlotte, N.C.; Bonnie Bower, Los Angeles, Calif.; and great-grandchildren: Noah Pawl, Connor Cook and Emma Cook.

Bower is preceded in death by wife: Anita Abbott Bower; father: Ferris Albert Bower; and mother: Blanche Watson Bower.

Bower was born on Oct. 13, 1930, in Auburn, to Blanche and Ferris “Cub” Bower.
He joined Beta Theta Pi social fraternity and graduated from Indiana University in 1952 with a degree in business. He married Anita Abbott in 1952. Bower served his country in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. from 1952-1954 rising to the rank of first lieutenant.

Bower joined Central Soya from 1954 to 1956, worked for Messenger Corporation of Auburn for 20 years, rising to the position of vice president of sales. His professional career also includes 17 years at Stump Printing in South Whitley.

Over their 50 year marriage, the couple welcomed two children into their home. His children remember him as a supportive father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Bower loved Culver Military Academy where he spent many happy summers rising to the honorary position of battalion commander of the Woodcraft Camps and student commander of the Woodcraft Drill Team, graduating in 1947.

An outstanding high school athlete, John Bower participated in all sports at Auburn High School, being named All Conference Second Team Halfback in 1947.

Active in Republican politics in DeKalb County for many years, Bower served as publicity director, precinct committeeman and was elected as a representative to the Republican State Convention in 1967.

John Bower was proud of Auburn and served his community on the Auburn Board of Zoning Appeals for 35 years and was awarded a commemorative plaque for his service. He was a Gold Card supporter of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum and an active automobile enthusiast. A 50 year member of The American Legion, Bower was also a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Shrine and is a member of the Scottish Rite and a 32nd degree Mason.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at First United Methodist Church, 1203 E. 7th St., Auburn, with visitation from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 15. The burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.

Memorials to the Culver Military Academy Education Fund, The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum and The DeKalb County Community Foundation are appreciated.

Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.