Melba Bower

Melba L. Bower, Sr. was born on December 28, 1929, in Corsicana, Texas. He passed from this life on October 28, 2023, at the age of 93. Melba was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor, his parents, Rexford and Leticia (Coker) Bower, his son, Melba L. (Butch) Bower, Jr, and his seven brothers, three sisters, four nephews, and one niece. He is survived by his daughter, Rexanne (Bower) and husband Wade Thomas of Lindale, Texas. Survivors also include daughter-in-law, Terry Bower of Corsicana, four grandchildren: Kristy Johnson and husband Chris of Farmer’s Branch, Cheryl Jennings and husband John of Rockport, Shelley Hill of Lubbock, and Gary Bower and wife Rebecca of Corsicana, seven great grandchildren, brother-in-law, Allen Green and wife Jean of Grand Junction, Colorado, and numerous nieces and nephews. Melba was a lifelong member of the church of Christ where he served many years as a deacon and later as an elder of the Westside and WestHill congregations. Melba and Eleanor worked with the youth group at WestHill, cooking for them at Bandina Christian Camp and youth retreats. Melba was also a lifelong resident of Corsicana and a 1946 graduate of Corsicana High School. He was an active member of the Corsicana Band Parents Association working in the concession stand at Tiger Field and driving the instrument truck for away football games. He coached Little League baseball games at Bebee Field and was active in the YMCA Indian Guides and Bowie Elementary School’s Cub Scout Den. Melba married the love of his life, Mary Eleanor Green on October 8, 1950. Two months later he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served as an airplane mechanic and instructor specializing in radial engines on B-25 Mitchell aircraft at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas for four years. When his enlistment was up, Melba and Eleanor returned to Corsicana where he began his career as a barber, eventually owning the B & D Barber Shop. After his first retirement, Melba went back to work for Stewart Motor Company and later for the Collin Street Bakery. He was recognized by the American Red Cross as a sixteen-gallon blood donor. Visitation will be held Friday evening at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home from 5 - 7pm. Funeral service will be Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:00am in the Chapel at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial video link below https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/DLQQHTRBXZKM9Y26 To view the funeral service for Melba L. Bower Sr. click the link below. http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/94197

Melba Bower

December 28, 1929 - October 28, 2023