Major (Ret.) Robert David Bower, Sr.

Major (Ret.) Robert David Bower, Sr., 87, of Westerville, OH, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, surrounded by his family after a long battle with COPD.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Bob relocated to Romulus, Michigan as a child, then back to Columbus as a teenager, where he graduated from Linden McKinley High School.

He shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Billie. Together over their 67-year marriage they built their cherished home Thistletick in Galena, Ohio, where they raised their four children, each of whom graduated from Big Walnut High School.

Bob & Billie instilled in their children and grandchildren a strong sense of patriotism, proudly displaying the Constitution in their home. Bob's faith was foundational to their lives as a dedicated member to Faith Lutheran (Whitehall), New Hope Methodist (Harlem Road), and Grace Lutheran (Westerville) churches.

Bob dedicated 36 years of service to the Ohio Army National Guard before retiring and embarking on a second career as a school bus driver for the Big Walnut and Olentangy school districts.

Known for his sense of humor, Bob also found joy in portraying Santa Claus, collecting Christmas ornaments, crafting model airplanes, and in baking his blue-ribbon blackberry pies.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Grace (Rinehart) Bower; and his brothers, Dick & John.

He is survived by two daughters, Valerie (Bruce) Hamill and Victoria (Jeffrey) White; two sons, Lt. Col. (Ret) Robert David (Trish) Bower, Jr. and William Herrell Bower; and his sister, Barbara Haskett.

He is also remembered by his seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, with two great-grandchildren expected soon, and his two special furbabies, Smokey and Gracie, and forever grateful to special caregivers Eydee, Melanie, Brianna, Isata and Heather.

Bob's warm, engaging personality and his playful spirit, along with his collection of corny Dad jokes, will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 9, 4-7pm, at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081.

The Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 10th at Grace Lutheran Church, 100 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081, with visitation at 10-11 a.m , and the funeral service at 11 a.m.

Burial with full military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 12th at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 5600 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the American Legion Post 457, PO Box 123, Sunbury, OH 43074 or the Shriner's Children's Ohio organization at  https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/ohio