Roger Leon Gower

Roger Leon Gower, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, has passed away at the age of 78. Born on February 7, 1946, in Robinson, IL, he peacefully left this world on June 10, 2024, in the comfort of his home in Mt. Zion, IL. His life was a tapestry of dedication, service, and love, woven with the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life.

His formative years were spent in Hutsonville, IL, where he was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball, graduating from Hutsonville High School in 1964. Shortly after, he began his career at Caterpillar but soon answered the call to serve his country. From 1965 to 1969, Roger proudly wore the uniform of the U.S. Air Force, with whom he was stationed at various locations, including a stint overseas at Wheelus Air Base in Libya, before being honorably discharged as a sergeant. Following his service, he returned to Caterpillar, dedicating over three decades as a machinist before retiring in 1995.

Even in retirement, Roger remained active and engaged in the workforce, first with True Value from 1995 to 2005, and then with Home Depot from 2007 to 2019, sharing his knowledge and expertise in the paint and plumbing departments.

Roger's passions were as diverse as they were engaging. He was an avid fisherman, and no matter where he lived, he was quick to find a body of water in which he could fly fish. His creative soul found expression in poetry and in woodworking, where he crafted everything from playhouses to personalized lamps for his kids. Photography was another of his loves, capturing moments and landscapes on film, developing them with his own kit, a hobby that waned only with the advent of the digital age. His love of the analog world was further expressed by his operating a CB radio for a number of years.

An avid coin collector, he sought out everything from pennies and quarters to special collector coins. He also amassed innumerable pens and watches, the latter proving practical in later years to monitor his health due to COPD. Even in the twilight of his life, his sense of humor was evident in his quip to nurses, claiming he was "Trying to buy time" by using his smartwatch to monitor his vitals. Over the last few years, he fully embraced technology, using the internet to both post his poetry and keep in touch with family and friends.

Above all, Roger was a devoted father. He was loving and protective, always ensuring his children checked in with him to confirm their safety. He was the kind of dad who threw sleds down the driveway in winter, built playhouses, invented games, and pulled you into car projects like the '69 Chevy Nova he cherished for many a year.

Roger was a man of intelligence and creativity, and though he might have been seen as a curmudgeon by some, griping about modern times, he was, without a doubt, a fascinating character. He embodied the particular brand of stubbornness that the Gower family has long displayed, personally exhibiting a drive to win that was evident in all he did. His spirit will continue to inspire, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. Roger, you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

He is survived by his children, Michelle Gower (Mt. Zion, IL) and Daniel Gower (Decatur, IL); by his grandchildren, Vanessa Gower and Jeffrey Gower; by his sister, Chloe Gower (Tilden, IL); by his sister-in-law, Sue Gower (Hutsonville, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Eugene & Marjorie Christine (Burress) Gower; by his sister & brother-in-law, Beverly Ann & Robert Lee McCallister; and by his brother, Gregory Eugene Gower.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Hutsonville Cemetery, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorials be made to the "American Lung Association". Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home, and online donations may be made in Roger's name at www.lung.org .