Philip C. 'Phil' Bower

MILTON - Philip C. “Phil” Bower, 93, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2015. He was born on August 30, 1921, in Hepburn Township, Williamport and was the son of the late John Franklin and Anna Elizabeth (Antes) Bower. He was a graduate of Williamsport High School Class of 1939. On February 01, 1950 Phil married the former Lillian M. Welch, who survives, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage together this year. Phil worked on family farms until joining the 8th Air Force stationed in England during World War II. After the war, he started his banking career at the First National Bank of Montoursville. After 35 years, he retired as President of the West Milton State Bank. He was known for his honesty and courtesy and many people asked him for financial advice even after he retired. His professional education credits include certificates from the American Institute of Banking, the Agricultural School of Banking, Cornell University and the Bucknell University School of Banking. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Bankers Association Governing Council and the second vice-chairman of the Group IV Pennsylvania Bankers Association. Phil was a true patriot and a past-president of the Tiadaghton Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution (SAR #81736) and the Eureka Lodge #335 F&AM of Montoursville. His community service included past director of the Milton Rotary Club, past member of the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Community Hospital, Board of Directors of the West Milton Memorial Park Association and President of the Lewisburg Area Chamber of Commerce. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a faithful member of the West Milton United Methodist Church for more that 50 years. He served on the Council of Finance and Administration of the Central PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. His pride and joy was his family and especially his “little ones” who really loved their PopPop. He was loved and will be missed by all. In addition to his wife, Phil is survived by his two children; Philip E. (Penny) Bower of Harrisburg and Becky (Michael) Klinger of New Columbia, four grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, two brothers; Donald F. (Roberta) Bower of Williamsport and Dale V. (Mary) of Montoursville and one sister; Mary Anne (Robert) Golay of Downey, California, along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Philip was preceded in death by one grandson; Aaron Klinger, one great grandson; Chayton Huston, one brother; John Bower and two sisters; Martha and Sara Bower. The family will provide flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Phil’s grandson to the “Aaron Klinger Memorial Scholarship Fund,” Milton Area School District, 700 Mahoning Street, Milton PA 17847. A public viewing will be held 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2015 at The Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service, 125 N. Front Street, Milton followed by a funeral at 1:00p.m. with the Reverend Ken Paulhamus of Christ Wesleyan Church, Milton officiating. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery.