George Luther Gower

(09/07/2003) George Luther Gower was born on April 12, 1913, to C.B. `Bud' Gower and Pearl McDuffie Gower in their home on the banks of the Lampasas River in Youngsport, Texas. Dr. Edward Tanner, his future father-in-law, delivered him into this world. George loved to tease that if Doc had known he was delivering a future son-in-law, it might not have been the cord that was cut. George grew up and attended school in Youngsport, and it was there he met and married his sweetheart, Lillian Pearl Tanner. He was twenty and she was seventeen when they eloped in 1934. They lived happily ever after for sixty-nine sweet years. George and Lill started their life together in Youngsport, and soon began a family. They moved to Florence in 1953, where they raised five children. Their family would grow to include eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a large assortment of in-laws and cousins, nieces and nephews. His family simply called him ``Papa'', as did all who knew and loved him. Papa was a rancher and farmer throughout his life and he cherished the times he worked along side his eldest son, Bennie. Papa had other occupations as well, including working as a mechanic and carpenter on Fort Hood following World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Florence and he served as a School Board Trustee in Youngsport. He loved cultivating his pecan trees and tending his garden. He also loved horses and the cowboy way of life. His favorite outfit was a long- sleeved white shirt with snap buttons, Levi jeans, a crisp straw cowboy hat and a pair of Jones boots. Papa passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of September 4, 2003. He was where he wanted to be - at home, with his beloved Lill and his family. He was preceded in death by his first son, Bennie Ray Gower; his parents; and three brothers, Virgil, Dillard and Raymond. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Gower of Florence, three daughters, Barbara Sue Spencer and husband, Forrest of Burnet, Lucretia Ann Gower of Florence, Phyllis Gower Rutledge of Florence; one son, John L. Gower of Austin and a daughter- in-law, Sara Reavis Gower of Florence. He also leaves eight grandchildren, Jeff Daniell, Mitch Gower and Jack Gower, all of Florence, Kirn Daniell and George Daniell of Temple, Alise Gower Carrithers of Killeen, Carla Rutledge Schaub of Lampasas and Jennie Rutledge of Georgetown; and nine great- grandchildren, Lindsay, Melanie, Jordan, Cassondra, Britney, Tanner, Joshua, Kendall and Jack. Family visitation will be Sunday, September 7th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Young Funeral Chapel in Florence. Services will be held Monday, September 8th, at 2:00 p.m., First Baptist Church, Florence. Papa will be laid to rest in the Sharp Cemetery in Bell County. He will be buried along the banks of the Lampasas, across the river from the spot where he began his grand journey 90 years earlier. Memorials may be made to Sharp Cemetery, 800 Highway 138, Florence, Texas, 76527 or to a favorite charity.