Gregory Eugene Gower

Gregory Eugene Gower, 70, of Hutsonville, IL, passed away on July 22, 2022, at his home. He was born December 29, 1951, in Robinson, IL, the son of Earl Eugene & Marjorie Christine (Burress) Gower. He grew up in Hutsonville and was a 1969 graduate of Hutsonville High School. He would go on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1971-1975. His time in the service found him stationed in Thailand and Germany, where he was on alert during the Munich Olympics massacre in September of 1972. Back stateside, he found work with the Pipefitters Local 157 until finding employment with Marathon Petroleum. Here, "Growler" worked as an operator for 16 years and as a process specialist for 15 years before retiring in May of 2011. After retiring, he kept up with his Marathon buddies at Tuscany Grill, where they would enjoy breakfast once a month, mornings he always looked forward to.

Time at home often found Greg on his iPad, be that playing games or spending innumerable hours on Facebook. That's not to say he didn't leave the house! On the contrary, he and his wife, Sue, were known to frequent local concerts, and he also enjoyed target shooting alongside his son, Gene, and son-in-law, Tommy. Greg was a staple at his grandchildren's games and events as well and was immensely proud to be their "Pop Pop". In fact, he gave himself over to be the best husband, father, grandfather, and brother he could be. He was one of those selfless men who would give more than you asked for if you needed help (though you might hear him utter the infamous "Gower huff" on occasion).

While he was naturally very reserved, those who knew him and loved him will forever remember Greg's 70 years with fondness, cherishing the many memories he has left behind.

He married Diana "Sue" Sharum on June 26, 1971, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Gene Gower (Robinson, IL) and Sandi & Tommy Brown (Hutsonville, IL); his grandchildren, Lexi & Logan Johnson, Gracie Gower, Halle Gower, and Ryder Brown; his great-granddaughter, Colbie Johnson; his brother, Roger Leon Gower (Champaign, IL); his sister, Chloe Earlene Gower (Tilden, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Beverly Ann McCallister.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 on Tuesday, July 26th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Burial will be in the Hutsonville Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to the "V.F.W. Transportation Fund", with envelopes available at the funeral home.