Carl Gower

Carl Gower did it all. Right to the very end, he lived fully and completely, keeping busy every step of the way. Kind and caring, Carl loved his family deeply. The one thing that brought him endless joy was their love and having them by his side. Patient almost to a fault, he was a loyal and devoted man who enjoyed much and worked hard his whole life through. He will be greatly missed.

Carl’s story began in the year 1928. An exciting time in our nation’s history, the Roaring 20s redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry reached new heights. The discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine, and legendary baseball players set astounding records. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event for John and Alice (Mansfield) Gower of Owosso, Michigan took place on June 16, 1928 when they welcomed the birth of their only child, a baby boy they named H. Carl Gower.

Having been wounded in the Army during World War I, Carl’s father was a hardworking electrician who provided for Carl and his mother. While growing up in Owosso, Carl was a typical young boy who shared childhood adventures with neighborhood friends. During his early years, his mother was diagnosed with cancer and sadly died when Carl was 12 years old. After his mother’s death, Carl and his father took some needed time with a memorable road trip out west. Upon their return, Carl went to live with his aunt and uncle in St. Albans, Vermont during his eighth grade year where he remained for the next 12 months. This time gave Carl’s father a chance to refocus and he soon remarried. Continuing to make their home in Owosso, Carl returned to his father and new stepmother, Lillie. He was a member of the tennis team at school while working at the little print shop in town, Orser’s Print Shop where he completed a two year apprentice.

One night in particular during his senior year was life changing for Carl. While driving around with his friends, Carl met a beautiful young girl named Barbara Eva. A petite little thing, there was little room and Barbara ended up on Carl’s lap. The very next day, he was quick to ask her out. They spent their first date taking in a movie and have been together ever since. Carl went on to graduate from Owosso High School with the Class of 1946

With the end of World War II, many young Americans like Carl faced the inevitable draft. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Providence in the Mediterranean as a Seaman Apprentice. Just shy of two years, Carl was honorably discharged and returned home to his sweetheart and job at Orser’s. On July 3, 1949, Carl and Barbara were married before a congregation of family and friends at the First United Methodist Church in Owosso. Carl was a good provider for his new bride and eventually four children. In 1952 they were blessed with the birth of Bruce, and Sandy followed in 1954. Cindy came along in 1957 and in 1961 they completed their family with the birth of John. Throughout this time, Carl was involved wholeheartedly in the printing industry.

In time he purchased The Laingsburg Press, a local newspaper business in nearby Laingsburg, but eventually sold it. He then worked for the Dexter Leader Newspaper before moving on to the Rose City News for several years. His various positions found Carl and his family moving often and they continued to do so through his educational years. They moved to Reed City where he attended Ferris State and then transferred to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where he earned his Degree while working at the Kalamazoo Label Company. With degree in hand, Carl taught printing at Bay City Handy High School and then at the State Technical and Rehabilitation Institute before retiring in 1991. Through it all, he never missed a day of work. His work ethic was exceptional and by his example, his children were blessed by his sacrifices as a loving provider.

Even though Carl worked full time, went to school full time, raised four kids and had a wife, he remained an attentive and devoted family man who never once complained. With the gift of patience, Carl worked tirelessly while enjoying many things that brought him joy. His talents were “good enough for this house”, and were used to remodel many of the houses they lived in. Endlessly in his workshop, he was always building or engineering a thing or two. As busy as he was, Carl found time to even serve as a volunteer firefighter in several of their communities and took part in the choir at church.

Following his retirement, He enjoyed the game of golf and for some time he and his group of friends tried out a different course each week. One of his longtime hobbies included his involvement with black powder, muzzel loading firearms for buck skinning. His name in the buck skinning group was Beaver Man, evident of Carl’s nature for always keeping busy. With a love for the outdoors, he enjoyed hiking and camping and did so with family over the years. In fact, in 1997 Carl took his first trip with the Boy Scouts where he and his son John worked for a few weeks each summer at camp. A natural teacher, Carl loved working with the kids.

Carl enjoyed many things. He loved old western movies and an array of music including classical, hits from the 1940s and hymns. Along with golfing, he was a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers baseball. The one thing that brought Carl endless joy was the love of family. He loved his wife deeply and valued his family above all. Even through his leukemia diagnosis in 2007, Carl kept as busy as ever enjoying all that life had to offer. On June 18, 2010, Carl succumbed to his battle with cancer just two days following his 82nd birthday. His patient heart, caring demeanor and wise counsel will be truly missed as he is fondly remembered by those he leaves behind.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Lillie Gower and by a stepbrother, Art McCall. Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Barbara Gower; four children: Bruce Gower, Sandra Gower, Cynthia (Patrick) Buckley and John (Suzanne) Gower; five grandchildren: Heather (Billy) Whitfield, John Ryan (Amanda) Gower, Joshua Gower, Garth Gower and Jenna Gower.

Learn more about Carl, view his Life Story film and share refreshments with his family and friends on Tuesday, 4-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900 where a service will be held Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 11:30 AM with burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, photo or to sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center, Boy Scouts of America-Troop 35 of Plainwell or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.