Gerald Dale Bower (96) of Newton

Gerald Dale Bower, age 96, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 9:05 AM Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Trexler Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Gerald, memorials may be made to the dedicated staff of Newton Care Center and mailed to the family, 4363 East 1200th Avenue, Wheeler, Illinois 62479. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

Gerald was born on March 27, 1924, in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Merrit and Ethel (Whitehurst) Bower. He served his country in the United States Army from March 16, 1945, to November 28, 1946, serving during World War II. He married Wanda White on December 12, 1948, in Newton, Illinois and she survives. Gerald was a farmer who love to fish, hunt and going to dances with Wanda. He grew up in the Kedron Congregational Christian Church and later joined the Newton Christian Church.

Gerald is survived by: Wife of 71 years - Wanda Bower of Wheeler, Illinois; Children – Ron (Kathy) Bower of Newton, Illinois; Gloria Lamb of Florence, Kentucky; and Bob (Dee) Bower of Wheeler, Illinois; 8 Grandchildren; 19 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers Floyd Bower, Roe Bower and Kenny Bower, 4 sisters Dorothy Toland, Lavern Toland, Ruby Tabb and June Kidwell and a granddaughter Kim Schrenker.