Cecil R. Bower, 97, Rockford, died Feb. 20, 2007, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born Sept. 6, 1909, in Kingston, to Isaac and Elsie Jane Betz Bower. On Jan. 31, 1995, he married Hilda Lewis, who survives. Deceased are two previous wives, Lola Dawson and Clara Asman.

Also surviving are a daughter, Naomi (John) Bright, Columbus, Ga.; a stepdaughter, Marty (Mike) Berne, Rockford; a brother, Paul (Dorothy), Hallsville; a sister, Kathryn Sheppard, Lebanon; two grandchildren, six stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

Deceased is a daughter, Eileen Brandt.

He was the owner/operator of Bower Garage, Kingston. He was a member of Rockford United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday school and held several leadership positions.

Services are 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Maplewood of Shanes Village, Rockford, the Rev. Mike Berne officiating.

Contributions can be made to Celina Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.