Larry Bower

Larry Lynn Bower, 65, a native of Corsicana and descendant of early settlers in the Blooming Grove area, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Gilbert, Arizona on March 2, 2018. He was born in Corsicana on December 8, 1952, the son of Robert Ferrell and Lola (Farmer) Bower. He attended Corsicana public schools and excelled in athletics, especially baseball, throughout his school years. He was a member of the first class to graduate from the "new" Corsicana High School in the Class of 1971. Larry and his family were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Corsicana during the years he was growing up. Larry entered the service of his country in the US Army in 1972 and proudly served until 1979, achieving Staff Sergeant rank. He then joined the National Guard and also went to work as a lineman for TP&L in Lancaster, Texas. After several years of employment there, he moved to Gilbert, Arizona where he worked for Arizona Public Service until his recent retirement. Besides his interest in baseball and other sports, he was an avid biker and enjoyed traveling the United States on extended trips across the country. He was also an avid golfer and had plans to attend the upcoming Masters Tournament. He was a 3rd Degree Mason and proudly wore his Masonic ring on his finger at all times. Larry had an enduring interest in trains and planes and military history and especially enjoyed watching 1950's black and white television programs. In 2001 Larry met the love of his life, the former Nancy Sullivan, and they married on September 16, 2001 in Key West, Florida. They enjoyed more than 16 years together as soulmates. Larry was the consummate gentleman and much beloved not only by family members but by the many friends he had amassed since his earliest childhood days. His loyalty, interest in, and many kindnesses toward those friends will never be forgotten. Besides his wife, Larry is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth (Bower) Wilson and husband Dayne of Kemah, Texas; Nancy's sons Peter and Michael Melenovich of Phoenix, Arizona; grandchildren Justin and Ashlee Brown and Gage Wilson of Kemah, Texas and McKenah and Michael Melenovich of Phoenix, Arizona. Larry is also survived by his brother, Bobby Bower of Corsicana and numerous other relatives and loyal friends. Visitation will be Friday, March 9th, from 6-8 P.M. at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana and funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday March 10th. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. Floyd Peterson will officiate. Donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis and the Wounded Warrior Project would be appreciated.

Larry Bower

December 8, 1952 - March 2, 2018