March 27, 1931-July 27, 2009

FORT MADISON, Iowa -- Kenneth Eugene Bower, 78, died Monday (July 27, 2009), at his home in Fort Madison, Iowa.

He was born March 27, 1931, at McCook, to Walter Garfield and Sophia (Schuetz) Bower.

 

In 1958, he married Judy Dredge. They later divorced.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War for four years on the USS Moale DD693. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and European Occupation Medal.

He moved to Fort Madison in 1957 and in 1972 moved back to Nebraska. In May 2009 he returned to Fort Madison to be near his family. He worked as a route salesman for Randy's Frozen Meats and later as an electronics repairman until his retirement in 1996.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steven Bower; one sister, Doris Bower; and one brother, Frank Bower.

Survivors include three sons, Kevin and Kenneth Bower, both of Fort Madison and David Bower of Mobile, Ala.; one brother, Walt Bower of Elkland, Mo.; a sister, Bettie Sanders of Larkspur, Colo.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and special friend, Evelyn Wagner of Akron, Iowa.

Funeral services werer Thursday, 11 a.m., at Barr Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Bill Willis officiating. Burial was at Soldier's Circle, Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison, with full military rites by the Fort Madison Veterans Honor Guard.

A memorial has been established.

Online condolences will reach the family at www.barrmemorialchapel.com

Cards and memorials also may be mailed to Barr Memorial Chapel, 1919 Avenue F, Fort Madison, IA, 52627, which is in charge of arrangements.