Gene C. Bower, age 90, of Douglassville went to his heavenly home on September 11, 2017. Gene was born on July 10, 1927, in Pottstown, son of George M. and Mabel A. (Hoffa) Bower, both deceased. Gene graduated from Pottstown High, Class of 1945. Entering the Army the same month, he was sent to the South Pacific and served with the 509th Atomic Bomb Group.
Gene worked for the Reading Railroad and Conrail for 28 years as a B&B Mechanic in Pottstown, Reading and Harrisburg, retiring in 1992.
In addition to his beloved wife, Marjorie A. (Riegner), and caregiver of many years, he is survived by his daughters Terry, wife of Eric Campbell in Delaware; Annette Kistler of New Tripoli; Robin, wife of William Marutiak in Texas; son Robert of Pottstown; twin sons Gene and George in New Mexico; twin daughters Bonnie and Wanda Ann, both deceased. Granddaughters Toni Ann and Stacey.
Gene was predeceased by sister Freda Bower Yost and brothers George Jr., Walter, Merril and Robert.
Gene was a 48-year member of Union Lodge #479, Birdsboro, where he served many years as Chaplain; a Past High Priest of Reading Chapter #152,; Past Most Excellent Master of Creigh Council #16; Past Commander of Reading Commandery #9; Past Division Commander of Division #9; Past President of Past Commanders & Line Officers of PA; Holder of the Knights Templar Cross of Honor given by Grand Encampment of United States; Past Preceptor of Galatantu Temple #LXXV.
Also a member of York Rite College #176, Knight Mason of Northeast Council #47; Past President of Pottsgrove High Twelve #321; Past Patron of Reading Chapter #251 Order of the Eastern Star; Past Patron of the Order of Amaranth #61 of Reading; Past Watchman of Shepherds of Tiberius Shrine #21, Allentown Shrine #27, White Shrine of Jerusalem; Past President of Reading Company Square and Compass Club. A 63-Year Member of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and Treasurer of Douglassville Camp #240. Past County President of Berks County and Past District President.
Gene was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Birdsboro where he served many years as Usher, Property Chairman and Sunday School teacher. Gene was also a charter Member of the Amity Fire Company and a Charter Member of Exeter American Legion #934.
Visitation from 2:00 to 2:30 PM followed by Union Lodge #479 service at 2:30 PM and the memorial service to follow on Thursday, September 14, 2017 the Dengler Funeral Home, Inc., 144 N. Spruce St., Birdsboro, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made either to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 5 Brooke Manor, Birdsboro, PA 19508 or to VA Lebanon Medical Center (Memo Note: Hospice Unit 1-4B), 1700 South Lincoln Avenue, Hospice Unit Ward 1-4B, Lebanon, PA 17042 in memory of Gene C. Bower.