Carpendale, WV - CARPENDALE, W.Va. [mdash] Donald (Don) Bower, a lifelong resident of Western Maryland, went home to be with the Lord on May 20, 2025. Born on April 26, 1935, he lived a long life full of love, kindness, and service.

Don touched many lives with his kindness and gentleness. His lessons on perseverance and the art of never complaining served as an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his patience and natural mechanical ability to fix anything. All these qualities leave a lasting memory that will continue to serve as a legacy of his life and enrich those he left behind.

Don was a life-long member of Park Place United Methodist Church where he was a choir member, led Youth groups and served in many leadership positions. Later in his life he attended Bethany House of the Lord, with his son Robert. Don was a devout Christian who read his Bible daily and found hope in his faith. When his eyesight started to fail, he continued to search the scriptures with tapes of the Bible.

He found joy in the simple things in life: fishing, tending to his garden, bowling in many leagues, and traveling with his wife Carrol. His final act of service was donating his body to the WVU School of Medicine to help others.

Don served his country as a member of the Army, and was stationed in Korea as a radio operator from 1959 to 1962. Upon his return, he served in the Honor Guard and paraded at Arlington Cemetery.

He was a welder by trade and worked at Kelly Springfield until its closure. Next, he attended classes at Allegany Community College, before starting a new career for the Maryland Department of Corrections as a locksmith.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of family members: his devoted wife, Carrol; loving sons, Robert Bower (Dee) and Raymond Bower (Fran); grandchildren, Kelley Bower (Cass), Kevin Bower (Fiancée Lindsay Warren), Julia Bower, William Bower (Hannah), and Rob Bower; great-grandchildren, ​Liam and Norah Boyd, Grant Pa.; and his brother, Wayne Bower.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Bower; his mother, Martha (Blocher) Bower; and his brother, Glenn Bower.

In Donald's memory, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the International Myeloma Foundation. These can be processed at: www.everloved.com/life-of/donald-bower/donate/.

Let us remember Don for the love he shared, the care he offered and the faith he carried. Today and always, we celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved. A celebration of life is planned for August 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Bethany House of the Lord at 306 Race St, Cumberland, MD 21502.