Grover Lee Bower, 93, Springfield, MO passed away at 2 PM, Monday, January 14, 2019 at The Maples in Springfield, MO. Grover was born in Ava, Illinois to Charles and Josephine (Weissgerber) Bower, one of six children, all of whom preceded him in death.

He attended East St. Louis Senior High School, East St. Louis, Ill. Grover served in the Army Air Force during WWII. After his return he was employed by the Frisco Railroad where he had worked for two years prior to military service. He attended Belleville Township Junior College in Belleville, Ill. Where he obtained his accounting degree. He remained with the Frisco Railroad and BNSF Railroad all of his professional life. At the time of his retirement, he was the Assistant Auditor of Disbursements for BNSF Railroad.

Grover was an avid sportsman. He loved the outdoors and spent much of  retirement camping, fishing, hunting and participating in archery tournaments. At home he loved to garden, read a good book, play a card game or visit with a neighbor.

Grover is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Sophie (Oresic) Bower; daughter, Patricia Gilleland (Gary Libby); grandson, Thomas (Cristin) Gilleland; granddaughter, Rhianna Crowell; great-granddaughter, Nora Gilleland; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank the healthcare professionals at the Maples and Regional Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, January 18, 2019 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel, burial will follow in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 AM, Friday in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. 2926 E. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65804.