Kalamazoo Gazette Sat 26 Mar 1977

Mr. Charles Eugene Bower 704 Idaho, Portage Passed away March 25, 1977, at Borgess Hospital. Mr. Bower was born May 15, 1904, in Allegan, Mich. Prior to his retirement ten years ago, he was employed at the Upjohn Co., in the Anti-biotics Dept., for over 40 years. He attended the First Missionary Baptist Church. Was a member and Past Master of Portage Masonic Lodge No. 340 F & AM, a member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, A.A.O.N.M.S. Shriner Saladin Temple and was the organizer and first president of the Masons Retirees Club of the Kalamazoo area. He is survived by his wife, Gertrude of 52 years; 3 daughters, Mrs. Charles (Frances) Williamson, Mrs. John (Joyce) Stafford and Mrs. Virginia (Bower) Graham, all of Portage; 12 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; one brother, Clarence J. Bower of Kalamazoo; one sister, Mrs. Clifford (Violet) LaCoss of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marjorie Jean, Nov.!

21, 1927, and a son, Charles Jay, June 19, 1965. Funeral services will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at the Truesdale Chapels of the Pines, Westnedge at Milham, Portage, with Pastor R. L. Goodwin of the Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Masonic memorial services under auspices of Portage Masonic Lodge No. 340 F & AM, will be held Sunday at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Missionary Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society. Friends may call at the chapel after 7 p.m. this evening. source: