Sam Gower

Sam "SJ" Gower passed away Thursday, March 25, 2010. Sam was born September 4, 1927 in a small eastern Oklahoma town, Shidler, to Graydon and Lucy Gower. He accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ, as his savior during his youth. As a teenager, he joined the Merchant Marines for a summer, and then returned to graduate from Moore High School, 1946. During high school he was also elected Most Outstanding Athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army and later received a degree from Panhandle State University. Sam met the love of his life, "the prettiest girl in school," Doris Day, during high school. They married January 11, 1948 and later shared their love with their two sons, David and Mike. Sam coached his sons' sports teams and was very involved with the Boy Scouts, an organization he strongly believed in and supported. He had many interests, including: music, RVing, snow skiing, boating, square dancing, and watching the car races. Later he really enjoyed spending time with the neighbors, his friends, and his family. Sam was active within his church, First Baptist Church of Moore, and enjoyed getting to travel with the Senior Group. He worked for Phillips Petroleum Company for over 37 years, spending time in Texas, Oklahoma, and the North Sea oil platforms. After retiring from Phillips in 1985, SJ and Doris moved back to Oklahoma City. Sam's family meant everything to him, and he always loved the family gatherings. He was an adoring grandpa and great-grandpa, always kidding around with his grandchildren. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. Sam is survived by his wife, Doris; his two sons, David and Mike; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of Moore, with interment at Chapel Hill Cemetery.