Wayne Bower

Wayne Richard Bower, affectionately known as Mr. Bower, a well-known and well-respected Terre Haute businessman, departed this life on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Wayne began his life journey on May 22, 1948 in Fowler, Indiana. Born the son of the late Leo and Isabel Bower. He was a 1966 graduate of Fowler High School and went on to earn a Degree in Business at Indiana State University (ISU). While at ISU he began working for Rowe Liquor at 7th and Margaret, later buying into what would become Bower's 7th & 70 where he was owner and operator for over 50 years. His work was truly his passion and he could usually be found at his 7th Street location. He never met a stranger, and his engaging banter was often accompanied by a funny, almost mischievous teasing that his patrons loved and laughed along with. One to never be bashful, he was always jovial, and conversation was light. He was a believer in the human spirit, and open minded, always fair, giving people a second chance. He was known for being frugal and there were no family & friends discounts given if you were not an employee. He had a larger than life heart that was very civic-minded.  Over 25 years ago, he started an annual Wine and Beer Tasting event to raise monies for the Zorah Shrine Transportation Fund, which his family plans to continue well into the future. He was a member of the Noon Optimist Club, a founding member of Brother of The Woods and was on the Indiana Liquor Board for many years. He drove a bus for the Vigo County School Corporation for 32 years. Wayne also coached Little League when his children were young. He was a devoted, loving family man. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a strict dad, who held his children accountable and taught them work ethic. He was proud of the adults his children became. Wayne met his match in 1995 when Paula's daughter decided to invite her bus driver to Paula's 4th of July party. After dating for 4 years, they married on April 3rd, 1999. They spent 26 years together working side by side and enjoying each other's company. Paula was a loving wife and was always there to support Wayne, as he was for her. They truly cared for each other and were a great team. The spirit he exemplified and the life lessons he taught to those who loved him will be handed down through generations to come.

Preceding him are his parents, along with a brother in-laws, John Gilbert and Joseph Pearman, as well as his beloved store cat, Tattoo.

Those here to cherish his memory, are his wife Paula Bower; children, Aaron Bower (Nicole), Adam Harkness (Amanda), Kate Smith (Jason), Ryan Harkness (Kacie) and DeLana Harkness; sister, Bernice Gilbert of Lafayette; grandchildren, Bradyn Bower, Rickey Turner, Abigail Smith, Eli Harkness, Blake Smith, Ethan Harkness, Cora Smith and Paiton Harkness; bonus grandchildren, Noah, Luca and Kobe; nieces and nephews, Danny Gilbert (Adrian), Kathy Vanderwall (Joel) , Kelsey Buza and Kaley Cortellini (Deylin); sister in-laws, Iris Buza (Steve) and Dianna Pearman; brother in-law, Charles Pearman along with numerous extended family and friends. Last but not least, his beloved feline Bo.

The family would like to invite you to celebrate Wayne's life. A gathering will be on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. at Zorah Shrine Country Place - 4500 Temple Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47805.

Holmes Memorial Chapel and Staff were honored to assist the family with arrangements.