"From his funny jokes, train watching, and sticking his dentures out at me, Gramps always knew how to put a smile on my face.I always enjoyed our trips out to the farm, just me, my dad, and Gramps. He was truly an upstanding, moral, kind, and loving person, a true gentleman, and a wonderful Grandfather.He always had a positive influence on my life, and despite the physical distance between us, I always felt very close to him.He will be missed by the many people he had in his life, and he will be missed by me!"
In loving memory of
HAROLD L. BROWER
May 5, 1925 - January 24, 2013
Harold L. Brower, age 87, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 11:00 p.m. Thursday, January 24, 2013 at his home.Born on May 5, 1925 in South Whitley, he was the son of Reed and Ida Irene(Rivet) Brower.
His early life was spent in Collamer. On February 17, 1946 he married Grace L. Gaff in Huntington. Following their marriage he and Grace established their first home in Larwill, before moving back to South Whitley in August 2000.In 2003 they moved to their present residence in Columbia City. He received his formal education in the public schools of South Whitley and Cleveland Township, Whitley County and later earned his GED.He served in the United States Army as a Sargeant for 10 and a half years.He was formerly employed by the Fort Wayne Freuhauf Trailer Company delivering truck trailers.He retired from the Teamster's Union #414 in 1977.He was a member of the Collamer Church of God, Teamster's Union, VFW South Whitley and the Pierceton American Legion Post #258. He currently attended the Larwill Wesleyan Church.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Grace L. Brower of Columbia City; 3 daughters, Wanda K. (Larry) Bolint of Grant Pass, OR; Susan L. (James) Converse of Buchanan, MI; Sandra L. (Matthew) Courter of Pierceton; 9 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Samuel L. Brower, sisters, Lucille Brower LaRue, Mary Lou Keppler, Viola Brower, Leola Williamson, Audrey Barker, Joan Combs; brothers, Alvin, Carroll, Bob and Richard Brower.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.Funeral services will immediatly follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Beck officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veteran's Honor Guard. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Brower's memory to the Larwill Wesleyan Church.Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book.
Tributes
"Grandpa was one of the most influential people in my life. From a very young age he encouraged Bryan and myself to become more honest and thoughtful people. I will always remember the walks through the Larwill cemetary, train watching, Collamer Damn, Elephants, and music boxes. Even from far away I have always felt close to my Grandparents. Grandpas will sorely be missed. I wish I could be there now. Grandma, Sandy, Susan, and Mommy, I am so sorry for our loss. I have such fond memories that will never fade."
"So sorry for your loss.May God be with you."
"so sorry to hear of His passing.Andy will be at the visitation but sorry to say I'll be at work. our prayers are with the family. Love ya"
"Dear Grace and family, I was saddened to hear of Harold's passing.He was a special person in my life as a teenager and young adult.At his filling station he took good care of my car and always had a smile and friendly manner.He cared personally about the people he served and was a real blessing to us all.I am glad to have known him in those growing up years. May God grant you peace and comfort, knowing you were there for him..and will see him again... In Christian love, Nancy (Tschantz) Burns"
"I am so sorry to hear of Harold's passing. Grace & Harold were our FAVORITE customers at Auto Bath. You are both some of the most thoughtful people I know!!! My Mom (Deb Killian)loved and enjoyed your candy and visits so much. Grace-my your memories get you through this difficult time. God bless you."
"SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS GRACE. "
"Grace and family- I'm so sorry for your loss. Harold was such a sweet, caring and wonderful Man. Always had a smile on his face and he cared about others. I always have enjoy seeing the two of you (Grace) coming into Scott's and now Kroger's. You both are what we consider as our Store family. He will be missed by so many.Love you....."
"Dear Grace,I am Barb Lemon who worked at the clerk's office during absentee voting time and helped you two to vote two times every election year.I am so glad I got to know you both. I looked so forward to you both coming in each April and October.I am so sorry about Harold.You both were and are such a joy to know.I also know your daughter, Sandy, from going to and working on the Larwill Alumni each June.We are all Larwill people my dear lady.I learned to enjoy life and to travel a little just from meeting you two and hearing about your train trips.Thank you for sharing yourselves with me whenever we saw each other. Sincerely,Barbara Lemonof Columbia City and Larwill. "
"Aunt Grace and Family, Sorry to hear about Uncle Harold.He will be greatly missed by many.I am thankful to have many memories of you and Harold all the time of growing up.Sorry we can't make it back.God Bless you, and we Love you."
"May God bless you all !!"
"Grace, I am sorry for your loss. My heart was broken when I heard the news. I loved Harold like my own grandpa. I loved that he gave me a nickname when I was a child. I still think of that today and it buts a smile on my face eveytime I think of it. I am so thankful I got to see the both of you recently, Love you Grace!Aka....grasshopper"
"Aunt Grace & Family, Sorrow filled our hearts with the news of Harold's passing.He was a special person who will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.We consider ourselves lucky to have had him in our lives and will keep his memory close to our hearts forever. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Steve and Elsa Secrist (California)"
"So sorry to hear of Harold passing, really enjoyed seeing you both over at the farm. God bless."
"Sorry to hear about the passing of Harold.Got to know him a little when we were over at Bettys a lot. He made some good candy.Dennis is a brother to Terry who is Bettys son-in-law.We also know Matt and Sandra from baseball back when their kids were in school.Harold always had funny things to say when he stopped by Bettys with the mail or candy. Everyone will sure miss him.You have our deepest sympathy and God blessall you family.Dennis and Diann Krider"
"Even though we would only see Uncle Harold occasionally when visiting back home he remained a favorite uncle. He was always upbeat in spite of hardship. His positive personality would light up the room and bring cheer to everyone. To all of Harold's family and friends, you are in our thoughts, Dorothy & Joe, Kathie & Andrew"
"I was so sorry to hear of Harold's death. My family and I have known he and his family for many years.God Bless You All. John Tschantz."
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will walk beside you in your journey of grief. Randy Grimes and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home "
"What an inspiration Harold was to us, every time we'd talk or see him.He and Grace always brought smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts.Harold would tease, and Grace would set him straight.We miss you, Harold.Your being a part of our lives had an impact that we only wish we could have expressed more to you.Thank you for being you.And congratulations on your final journey to your Maker.We can only hope to be reunited with you someday.Our arms surround Grace, Wanda, Sandy, Susan, and the rest of the Brower family. You are all in our prayers as you go through this difficult time."
"Oh, Grace, I was just thinking about you and Harold earlier this week.I'm sending all my love your way...what a gem he was!Lots of good (and ornery) memories come flooding in as I think about you two!He was such a sweetheart and such a pistol!You just have to celebrate his incredible life!!!!Much love and caring, Anne Watson (from Whiteleather's and Whitley Circuit Court)"
"Grace and family,Our hearts go out to you, may you find peace. We are so sorry.Harold will be missed by many many people but will be missed so much more by you.Keep your happy memories close.One of my best memories was the time you and Harold celebrated your anniversary with us in Sacramento CA. Love to you Bill & (Pat Courter) Jorae "
"So sorry to hear about HAROLD ,thinking of everyone."
"Many great memories with Harold & Grace & rest of family. He always had a smile, a firm handshake and a pat on the back. Although I didn't get to see him as much as I would have liked lately, I will miss him. Grace, (Mom) love you as much as I ever did. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Words and thoughts are jumbled right now, my fingers can't go that fast. May God Bless and give you peace. Know that HE is there for you. George "