Norman Leslie Bower, 84, passed away Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Lakeland Rehab & Healthcare Center Effingham, IL.   A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Olney.

He was born August 12, 1931 in Danville, IL the son of John L & Helen P Bower.  He married Dorothy L. Spiker February 4, 1962 in Wheeler, IL. She preceded him in death November 2, 1987. He married Addie Morgan January 27, 1990 in Olney. She preceded him in death May 5, 2014.

Norman is survived by daughters Katherine Sanderson, Olney, Patricia (Tom) Harmon, McKinleyville, CA, and Nancy Bower, Urbana, IL. Four grandchildren Ashley (Nate) Miller, Effingham, IL, Austin Sanderson, Olney, Jessica Harmon, Los Angeles, CA and Peter Harmon, McKinleyville, CA. One great grandchild Lilly Miller. Two stepsons Pat (Gina) Morgan, Noble, and Jeff (Debbie) Morgan, Olney and three step grandchildren. And one brother John (Jan) Bower of Loveland, CO and several nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by one brother Melvin Bower and sisters-in-law Myrline Bower, Barbara Bower and Helen Spiker.

Norman graduated from Olney High School in 1949 and the University of Illinois with a degree in Agriculture. He was a farmer in Richland County until his retirement. He was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church Olney where he served as elder, usher and youth group leader. He served on the Richland County Farm Bureau acting as president. He served on the Richland County 4-H board and was also secretary-treasurer of the Noble Township Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

After retirement Norman held part-time jobs at Big Johns grocery store, Olney Daily Mail, Salvation Army and Prairie Farms Dairy.

Thrasher Family Funeral Home, Olney obituary