Robert E. BOWER

WILLIAMSBURG - Robert (Bob) Edward Bower, of Williamsburg, Va., formerly of Newport News; husband of Lois Ann Bower; formerly the husband of predeceased Jane Bower, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 1, 2010.
Born in Gloversville, N.Y., on Nov. 25, 1923, Bob is survived by his first son, Charles and his wife, Stephanie of Durham, Conn.; and his second son, Thomas and his wife, Marie of Ellicott City, Md.; his four grandchildren, Robert, David, Stephanie, and Teresa; and his great-granddaughter, Alexa.
Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Keiner of Fort Meyers, Fla.
Bob's family owned one of the original leather glove factories in Gloversville, N.Y. During the depression Bob would go with his father to New York City to sell gloves, which was his first exposure to the business world. After graduating high school at 16, he entered Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (RPI). His studies were interrupted by World War II. He served in the Army and was placed in the Counter Intelligence Corps in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where he was assigned to the Manhattan (atomic bomb) project. After returning from the war, he completed his studies under the GI Bill, at RPI, receiving a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In 1949, he began a family in Long Island, N.Y., working as an engineer and later as chief of engineering development at Grumman Aircraft for 22 years. In 1986, he took the position as Director of Aeronautics NASA-Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., responsible for research aircraft flight, high speed and low speed aircraft, and hypersonic vehicles.
His passion for research and education was reflected in his volunteer tutoring work in reading and mathematics at the Peninsula Literacy Council, and the James City County School System. He also contributed his time to the Lifelong Learning Society of Christopher Newport University, and to the Langley Air and Space Museum. As a Christian Scientist, over the years Bob served in its churches as First Reader, Treasurer, Board Chairman, Librarian, Sunday school teacher, and many other positions within the church. He was an active member of the Williamsburg Christian Science Church. He enjoyed reading, having discussions with friends and family about education, politics, and world affairs. Always on his list of things to do was some house construction project. Bob was a devoted husband, dad, and friend. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 6, at Nelsen Funeral Home, located at 3785 Strawberry Plains Road Williamsburg, VA 23188.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to First Church of Christ Scientist, 620 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.