Carl Gower
February 8, 1938 – May 27, 2025
Carl Edward Gower of Unionville, MO transitioned peacefully from his earthly life to his new heavenly home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Northeast Regional Hospital, Kirksville, MO.
Carl was born, the only child of Carl L. and Lucinda (Ayer) Gower just east of Lancaster, MO on February 8, 1938. Growing up he helped on the family farm where his parents had livestock, crops and two large gardens. He attended the rural Hale school and graduated in 1955 from Lancaster High School.
He met Barbara West, the love of his life, at the Glenwood Reunion. They were married August 2, 1958 in Coatsville, MO and had 66 years of marriage. They had two children, Carla and Teresa. Carl accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the Fabius Baptist Church. After moving to Unionville, Carl and Barbara joined First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for many years. Carl most recently was a faithful attender at Broadlawn Baptist Church.
Carl began his working life at Beeler Ford Motor Company as a car detailer first, then going to mechanic school in St Louis. Carl had a natural talent for knowing how things worked and being able to fix them. This led him to a job opportunity with the Missouri State Highway Department, now known as MoDOT. He worked as a Field Mechanic from the Unionville shed and covered a large area of northeast Missouri for 35 years before retiring. There were countless stories of the places and mechanical predicaments he faced roadside during those years.
Most people know that Carl and Barbara maintained the original West family home place called Coal Holler located on the Chariton River in Schuyler County. He loved to share the story of how they got the big rock set there for the family to enjoy. They both have walked countless miles of the river area enjoying the wildlife, wildflowers, fishing and birdwatching. Carl could tell you every bend of the Chariton and the direction it flowed. Coal Holler was a favorite place to be.
Carl enjoyed his grandchildren and had the pleasure of teaching each one how to ride a bike. A favorite phrase was calling them “small bear” referencing the Berenstain Bears book “The Bike Lesson” on learning how to ride a bike. Carl himself was a great hand to show the kids how to ride a bike while sitting on the handlebars backwards. He continued the phrase “small bear” throughout their adulthood.
Carl was a very kind, generous, caring person who loved to interact with friends, family and anyone he met with a smile and a story about the things he had learned in his life.
Carl was proceeded in death by his parents, Carl L. and Lucinda (Ayer) Gower, his in-laws Orin and Ina Faye (Collier) West; Gene and Carol (West) Archibald.
Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Barbara (West); daughters Carla Cullor and Teresa Kinzler; grandchildren Justin and Jasmine Cullor, Andrea, Delane and Shayna Kinzler; great grandson Landen Cullor; brother-in-law James West and very special family friend, Clayton Thomas.
Graveside services will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery, in Glenwood, Missouri, Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Walter Griffen of Unionville, Missouri officiating. Pallbearers will be Justin Cullor, Landen Cullor, Randy Webber, Delane Kinzler, Clayton Thomas and Dalton Basket. Memorials have been established for the Broadlawn Baptist Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman Funeral Home of Lancaster, Missouri