Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

George Q. Bower

George Q. Bower, 94, passed away on December 23, 2022 in Worland WY. George was born January 30, 1928 to Earl T. and Hilda H. Caroline (Reesy) Bower. George grew up in Worland on the Bower family farm east of Worland. George's childhood consisted of many chores on the farm such as haying, collecting eggs, milking cows and slopping the pigs. George graduated from Washakie County High School, Class of 1946. After Graduation, George enlisted in the Army, and served eighteen months in Tokyo, Japan. He was a military policeman and telephone/radio operator. Upon returning to the states, George enrolled at the University of Wyoming, where he studied Business Administration from 1948-1951. One of George's greatest achievements was graduating in three and a half years. The call of duty came once again leading him to serve two more years in Berlin, Germany. George was an assistant regimental supply officer for ammunition and military policeman. George was promoted to first lieutenant before being honorably discharged. One of George's happiest memories was being able to travel throughout most of Europe in 1953 with his parents, by car, before returning to Wyoming for the second time.

George took a job at Big Horn Chevrolet, as office manager for one year. Shortly after, Bower Agency Real Estate and Insurance in Worland was established by George, where he operated the business for many decades before his retirement, in the early 1980's. George was active in the Wyoming Republican Party. He was a delegate to the 1976 Republican Convention in Kansas City. George was active in many organizations, including Worland Chamber of Commerce, President of the Wyoming Association of Realtors, Worland Kiwanis Club, and Cloud Peak Masonic Lodge. George was a life time member of the Worland United Methodist Church, which was his pride and joy.

George met Mary Evelyn Turnbull in November, of 1957. They were married on April 20, 1958 at the United Methodist Church in Worland. Together they built their first home; where they raised three sons, Brian (1959), Stuart (1962), and Earl (1964).

George enjoyed his family and would take them on all kinds of adventures. Snowmobiling, backpacking, downhill skiing, water skiing, sailing, trips to the lake consisting of almost sinking the boat a time or two. There was never a dull moment when you were with George on any adventure. One of George's greatest adventures was when he and Mary Evelyn purchased a 40 foot sailboat, where they sailed through the Bahamas, and up the East Coast to the Chesapeake Bay. George and Mary Evelyn traveled to many countries during their retirement years. George enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.

By those that knew him, George will always be remembered as a hardworking, honest, loving husband and an amazing father to his three boys. Two of George's saddest moments was the news that his older brother Capt. Roger Bower had been reported MIA during WWII in North Africa, on December 27th, 1942; The sudden death of his father in June 1964 as well. George was happiest when he was on a new adventure or enjoying time with his family and friends relaxing at the cabin they built located in Canyon Creek in 1976.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Mary Evelyn. George is survived by sons Brian, Stuart, and Earl (Angie) Bower all living in Worland. George's 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren were always a source of pride and joy for him.

A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Worland with graveside services following at Riverview Memorial Gardens. Arrangements have been entrusted to Veile Mortuary.

 
 
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