John Bower Jr.
November 05, 1953 - October 04, 2020
Obituary
John M. Bower Jr., beloved son, brother, husband, father, and papaw, passed away on October 4, 2020. John is survived by his mother Pauline Bower; wife Kathy Bower; siblings Patricia Lloyd, Beth (Doug) Kyle, Leslie Summers, and Tom (Cindy) Bower; children Todd Bower, Mark (Kelsey) Bower, and Karen (Ron) Frederick; and grandchildren Enzo Frederick, Elio Frederick, Isabella Frederick and soon-to-debut baby girl Bower (Mark & Kelsey). He is preceded in death by his father, John M. Bower Sr., and his siblings Ron Bower and Tony Bower. John was born in Indianapolis on November 5, 1953. After graduating from Speedway High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Del Rio, Texas, he met and eventually married the boss's daughter. They celebrated 44 years of marriage on July 3rd of this year. John's robotics career began as a jet engine mechanic, and he worked on a team to build the machine that painted the stealth bomber. He continued his career as a maintenance supervisor in heavy machinery for companies such as Nabisco/Conagra and Coca-Cola. John was an avid race fan. He had not missed an Indy 500 in 40 years, until 2020. It was very kind of COVID to insist that no one else be allowed to attend either, in solidarity. His favorite form of racing, however, was top fuel drag racing. No amount of horsepower could pull him away from the NHRA finals at Lucas Oil Raceway each Labor Day weekend. John also loved rollercoasters and fishing, but his greatest joy in life was his family. Whether he was playing euchre or kismet at his parents' house, cheering for his wife in the Mini, driving across the state and country to watch his children compete, or cherishing every memory with his grandchildren, he was a constant, steady presence in their lives. He showed up for the highlights, the tough times, and everything in between. His work ethic, love, and big bear hugs were unmatched and will be missed more than words can describe. Memorial donations can be sent to JEGS Foundation: Racing for Cancer Research http://www.teamjegs.com/content/foundation
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Memories
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Kim Stevens
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with John at Coca-Cola. I remember him as always having a smile on his face, no matter what was going on! He use to come in my office and show me pictures of his grandbabies, he was so proud of his family, kids and grandkids. He always made a point to say hi when I saw him in the hallway at work and was such a sweet and kind person. He will be missed! Sending thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
DR
Deb Ruckman
Other •
I was in the Speedway High School Class of ‘73 with John and Beth. I remember his smile the most and enjoyed catching up at a high school reunion or two. I expect his family has some beautiful memories to hold onto, as it seems the rest of his life was well lived. I am sorry to lose a good guy too soon. ❤️
PH
Phillip Hesselgrave
Other •
My deepest condolences to John’s family. John’s family lived across the street from my family in Speedway. I was the Bowers paperboy. We attended the same grade school and high school. As fate would have it I met John again when I went to work at Nabisco Foods(now Con Agra). It is strange how small our world is when you suddenly meet someone from your long distant past. John will be missed and remembered by many. Phillip Hesselgrave