Virgil F. Bower

Virgil F. Bower, 88, of Strasburg, passed away Saturday morning, January 12, 2013 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a period of declining health.

Born in Jewett, O. on August 22, 1924, he was the son of the late Ward C. and Marie (Snider) Bower. After graduating from New Philadelphia High School, Virgil continued his formal education at Bowling Green State University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree.

He also honorably served his country in the United States Army Air Force from 1945 to 1947 as a Physical Therapy Technician.

Virgil spent his career as an educator, coach, mentor, and friend to thousands of students at Strasburg Franklin High School for 28 years. There, he was the head of the Science Department and the Drama Department. He coached a variety of sports teams at Strasburg, and led two teams to state titles.

As a biology teacher, Virgil was instrumental in teaching students the love of science. He also was a well-respected driver’s education teacher within the school district.

His participation within the community included memberships with the Strasburg Lions Club in addition to a lifelong membership with the former New Philadelphia Moose Club where he served as Governor.

When he wasn’t coaching or teaching, Virgil loved to camp at Tall Timbers, and golf and bowl on various leagues. Spending time with his family was very important to him also.

In his later years, he and his lifelong companion, friend and wife, the former Shirley J. Chamberlain, enjoyed retirement in Florida. They were married on December 20, 1953 in the First Lutheran Church in Tusky, and maintained memberships at Lutheran churches throughout their life together.
He will be deeply missed by Shirley; his children, Pamela (Thomas) Gartrell of Strasburg, David Bower of Canton, and Joy (Eric) Muehlenbein of Canton; his grandchildren, Shannon (Wesley) Shontz, Thomas (Trisha) Torch, Matthew Paulin of Camp Lejeune, NC, USMC, Angela Muehlenbein, and Jesse Sanford; 5 great-grandchildren, Wesley, Collin, and Xavier Shontz, Bianca and Chase Torch, and Madison and Kheadon; his brother, Lowell (Suzie) Bower of New Philadelphia; his sister, Lois Kron of FL; brother-in-law, James (June) Chamberlain of NJ; sister-in-law, Connie Papai of NV; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Virgil was preceded in death by his infant son, Lowell C. Bower; his brother, Ward Keith Bower; and his sister, Kathlyn Shaffer.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Tuesday, January 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Virgil’s life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday beginning at 1 p.m. with The Rev. Darla Ann Kratzer officiating.

Inurnment will follow the reception in Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery in Tuscarawas.

Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences or light a candle in Virgil’s memory by visiting his permanent memorial located on the funeral home’s website.