Harold Bower

Harold Bower, 73, of North Baltimore, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018. He was born on March 25, 1944, in Bowling Green to the late Gordon and Dorthy (Biel) Bower. He married Sharon McMillan, and she survives.

He was a 1962 graduate of Swanton High School, attended Baldwin-Wallace College on a basketball scholarship, received a BA in 1966, and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He received a Master's degree from Bowling Green State University, and later earned his certification in secondary school administration as a principal and school superintendent.

Harold was a dedicated educator for 48 years. He began as a teacher and coach but spent a large part of his career as high school principal, and later superintendent, at Elmwood High School. He finished his career as an elementary principal at Otsego Schools. He retired in 2013.

Harold was an active member in his community, where he served as an elected councilman for 28 years, and as a member of the Masonic Lodge and Church of the Good Shepherd, where he served as lay leader and was active in the choir. He enjoyed most sports, both watching and playing, and participated in basketball and tennis into his late 60s, when his health forced him to stop. Music was another one of his many interests. He played the trombone in the Findlay Civic Band, the Bowling Green Community Band, the Fostoria Community Band, and with many other groups over the years.

In his later years, Harold could be found gardening and spending time with his grandchildren or possibly his one great passion - riding his motorcycle. There was nothing he enjoyed more than strapping on his helmet and hitting the road on one of his bikes. He will be missed.

Also surviving are three children, Erica (John) Kelley of McComb, Ohio, Andrea Bower of Findlay, Ohio, and John (Laura) Bower of Columbus; seven grandchildren, Alexis, Andrew, Jasmine, Xavier, Gabrielle, Samantha, and Claire; one sister, Arlene Bloomer of Toledo; and one brother, Robert (Jan) Bower of Port Huron, Mich.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith-Crates Funeral Home in North Baltimore, Ohio.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice, the North Baltimore Public Library or the donor's local school district.

Online condolences can be sent to www.coldrencrates.com.