Bruce Flower

1960 - 2018

Bruce Flower

Bruce Flower, 57, passed away suddenly on May 29, 2018. He was born on September 15, 1960 in Kent to the late George and Katherine Flower.

Bruce came into this world with disabilities both physical and intellectual, which he never let affect his strong spirit and zest for life. His love of life and people endeared all those with whom he came in contact, and he befriended everyone he met. Though his early years presented many challenges, he thoroughly enjoyed the extensive travel, entertainment and activities he participated in over the past few decades. He always had a smile, a kind word and hugs for everyone.

In spite of Bruce's limited physical and communication skills his empathy for others when illness or accident befell them was extraordinary. His infectious smile was his trademark. Bruce loved sharing time with loved ones, loved tractors and construction equipment and dreamt of being a construction equipment operator one day. Bruce had travelled to all 50 states, many National Parks and major U.S. cities, and several foreign countries. He enjoyed road trips too numerous to count and had taken a half dozen cruises over the years. He enjoyed annual trips to Disney World and spent his winters in Florida since 2009. When he was back home he relished his visits to the Hard Rock Rocksino where he made many friends, both staff and patrons. He loved cookouts and gatherings with neighbors and friends.

He will be forever missed by his adopted dad, Greg Eppich, and he leaves behind many close friends, including Kay Sherbondy, Jacqueline Gierlach, Silvia Henriss, Jane Lecon, and Jennings Cross; special nieces, Diana (Dave) Kahley and Sherry (Mike) Shuman, David Schmidt, Dave Colgrove, Jeff Miller, Linda Cope and many others.

Special thanks to United Disability Services of Akron, Blick Center, REM Ohio, Dr. Barbara Lohmeyer, SLP Deb Kaufman, PTs B.J. Seabolt, Lisa Dietsch and Karen Naufziger, attorney Phil Kaufmann and Summit DD Service Administrators, Jennings Cross and John Lovaty for the services and caring they provided to him throughout the years.

In addition to his parents; Bruce was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Nick Donch. He is survived by his father, Greg Eppich; birth family siblings, Joann Donch, Connie (Joe) Sengler, Pamela Flower, George (Dee) Flower, and Don (Dawn) Flower; adopted family aunts, Vicki Eppich and Barbara Engels; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (SR619), Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Darryl Moulder officiating. Family and friends may call on Friday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER

(330) 899-9107 www.schermesserfh.com