Obituary of William Keith Bower

Obituary for William (Bill) K. Bower

05/19/1942-04/06/2024

William K. Bower, 81, of Pensacola, FL, passed away on 04/06/24, after a sudden illness of cancer.

Please join the family at the Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church of Pensacola on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm for visitation, with service beginning at 2:00 pm. There will be light refreshments following the service in the Wright Place.

 FUMCPensacola.com  850-432-1434 | 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501

The grave site ceremony will occur at NAS Barrancas National Cemetery on the following day, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 2:00 pm. Contact us if you plan to attend.

Bill, most affectionally known as either “Mr. Bill” or “Sir Gramps” and occasionally as “Wild Bill”, was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio in 1942 to Harry Chard Bower and Freda Jean (Rosebrook) Bower. He is preceded in death by both parents; his brothers Richard Bower and Jack Bower; his cousin, Cynthia “Sybbie” (Dunson) Cornelius, whom he loved like a sister; and his special life-long friend “Other Bill” Delong (Faye).

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karen (Zerbus) Bower, whom he met in 1964 at the Navy YMCA in Newport, RI. They were married in January 1966, on a night so cold, that Karen’s camelia bridal flowers were flash frozen in the car. The couple have three children, five grand-children and one great-grandchild: Daughter Lani (Bower) Titus (ex John), children Melanie and Cody of Pensacola.; Daughter Loralyn (Lori Bower) Carter (Brian), Kathryn Carter, Odessa, TX.; Son Michael Bower (Charity Jernigan Bower, deceased), children Cecil Bower and Mary (Bower) Bailey (Jesse) (his only great-grandchild) Owen Bailey, Pace.  Bill has extensive family throughout the US.

Bill was born and raised in Ohio and joined the Navy in 1960 at the age of 18. His first duty was aboard the USS Caloosahatchee, where he became an Electronics Technician (ET). He participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade, and then went to Instrumentman (IM) ‘A’ School at Naval Station Great Lakes. Upon graduation, Bill served a tour on the USS Yosemite, and then he reported to subbase Pearl Harbor. After three years at Pearl Harbor, he reported aboard the USS Grand Canyon, then homeported in Newport, RI. During his almost six years on the USS Grand Canyon, the ship was relocated from Newport, RI to Mayport, FL. After the USS Grand Canyon tour, he received orders to Saufley Field in Pensacola, FL. While stationed at Saufley, he was responsible for writing the IM rating exams for the next three years. He retired from active duty in 1979 after serving twenty years and attaining the rank of Chief Petty Office. (Of note, he was supposed to retire on the date that Hurricane Frederick struck the Gulf Coast on 09/12/1979, so we had to post-pone the ceremony.)

He quickly found his way into many hearts through the years. He adopted his children’s friends and their spouses. Once you were introduced to him, and if he liked you, then you were “his” to watch over.

Bill enjoyed softball, golf, skeet shooting and watching his children play sports. He was a life-long Ohio State Buckeye’s fan, and an avid Florida State female softball fan. He watched games on TV and had chances to watch them in person.

Bill volunteered at his church (First United Methodist in Pensacola).  He was also a member of the Bellview Volunteer Fire Dept during the 1970’s to 1980’s and was Chief for several years.

He was a quiet spoken gentleman, who had a mischievous streak. Bill was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was from a deep place of perspective and the willingness to help someone else with their problems.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations in his name to be made to the First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, Apr 15 from 2:00-3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Wright Street, Pensacola

Visitation will be held on Monday, Apr 15 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Wright Street, Pensacola

Burial will take place on Tuesday, Apr 16 at 2:00-2:30 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery Naval Air Station 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola

Services will be officiated by Rev Dr. Geoffrey Lentz.