Melvin D. Bower Sr., 73, of Carterville, Illinois passed away Saturday, December 25, 2010, at his home. A memorial service held at First Presbyterian Church in Carterville,  with Mel Bower Jr. officiating.

Melvin was born April 29, 1937, in Danville, to John and Helen Bower, of Olney.

He graduated from East Richland High School in 1955 and University of Illinois with a degree in Pharmacy in 1960. He worked as a registered Pharmacist for 50 years, working more than 25 years as manager of K-Mart's Pharmacy in Carbondale. This is a legacy that he shared with his eldest son, Scott, who is also a Pharmacist. In his retirement, he studied to become a Commissioned Lay Pastor through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and joyfully served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Tower. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Carterville, where he held the positions of Deacon and Ruling Elder. Active in the church, he also served as a past moderator of Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois as well as serving on various Presbytery Committees. For more than 20 years, he volunteered his time to the Community United Pantry in Carterville, serving most recently as the Food Chairman. He loved classical music and Fox News. He considered his children and grandchildren to be his greatest success.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Carbondale; four sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Mandie Bower, of Olney, Brent and Brenda Bower, of Olney, John and Melissa Bower, of Bloomington, Ind., Mel Jr. and Ellen Bower, of Carbondale, one daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Bill Wilson, of Normal; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Norman and Addie Bower, of Olney, and John and Jan Bower, of Loveland, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Bower, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Bower, of Olney.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)

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