Submitted by

Barbara (Caddell) Fox

The Groesbeck Journal
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Page 8 - Section A

Graveside Services Held Dec. 3 for Vernon Neil Bower

     Vernon Neil Bower of Garland, passed away Saturday, November 29, 2008 at his home.
    
     Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at Faulkenberry Cemetery.

     Mr. Bower was born July 6, 1922, to Mr. and Mrs. A. N. Bower of the Criswell Community.  He graduated from Ben Hur High School and attended Texas A & M University.  Vernon served his country in the United States Army, and was stationed in Germany during World War II.  Vernon Neil was united in marriage to Starley Lucile Parker on September 13, 1946 at Groesbeck.

     Mr. and Mrs. Bower traveled and moved to various locations during his career with Sears, and lived in Garland for the last thirty years.  Vernon retired from Sears, where he was credit manager for many years.  Vernon was of the Methodist faith.  He was an avid golfer, and loved to play as often as possible, until health prevented him from this activity.  He was also known as a “People Man,” having many friends, and was most happy when he was among them.  He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

     Mr. Bower was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Garland Bower; three sisters, Alta Caddell, Gertrude Stone, and Thelma Walts.

     He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Starley Bower; two children, daughter Beverly Bower, and son Brett Bower and his wife Terry; three grandchildren, Deidra Webb and husband Steven, Shannon Harvey, and Jacob Bower; two great grandchildren, Carter Webb and Derek Webb; sisters Ora Breed, Nell Moore, Mary Frances Handcock, Betty Jo Barker, and Ruby Hill; and several nieces and nephews.