In Loving Memory of John Watson Bower Jr.
2/27/1954 – 11/27/2024

John Watson Bower Jr., 70, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in Fort Wayne. He was born in Aberdeen, Maryland to the late Anita A. and John W. Bower, Sr., leaving behind a legacy of passion, intellect, humor, and craftsmanship. Raised in Auburn, Indiana, John carried immense pride for his hometown and its rich automotive history, particularly the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Company which remained a touchstone throughout his life. He graduated from Dekalb High School in 1972, continued his education at DePauw University, majoring in Speech/Drama, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and graduated in 1976. He later received his masters in Film History/Criticism at the University of Memphis. The span of John's professional career included positions as VP licensing and marketing in the apparel industry. He later founded and ran Stage Promotions, Inc., a theatre advertising business. An avid hobbyist, John had a lifelong love of "O" scale model trains, meticulously restoring each piece with care and precision. His dedication to the art of restoration extended to antique cars—he delighted in uncovering "barn finds" and lovingly bringing them back to life, often finishing one project just to dive enthusiastically into the next. John was a lover of classic cinema. From the timeless romance of Casablanca and the epic storytelling of The Longest Day to the absurd humor of Monty Python and the charm of Moonstruck, his love of film was boundless. No matter how many times he watched Some Like It Hot, the iconic final line, "Well, nobody's perfect," always brought him to a joyful, infectious belly laugh. With a deep appreciation for theatre, he found joy in performing, sharing his vibrant spirit and humor with his audiences. His love of Scotland, too, spoke to his adventurous and romantic soul—its culture and landscapes held a special place in his heart which he enjoyed with his wife on a recent trip to the area where he also explored his profound interest in military and world history. And, true to his eclectic tastes, he was a connoisseur of dive food joints, savoring the character and simplicity of the meals as much as the company he shared them with. These passions for classic film, theater and food were shared with and passed down to his daughters and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of 40 years; Melenda Bower; three daughters, Melissa (Cameron) Cook, Caroline (Alexander) Bower-Lieberman, and Bonnie (Collin) McShane; grandchildren, Connor and Emma Cook, June McShane, and August Bower-Lieberman; sister, Rebecca (Robert) Kramer, nieces and nephews; and his beloved Australian Shepherds, Rigby and Scout. During his illness, John and family greatly appreciated the personal care he received from his doctor and many nurses at Parkview Packnett Family Cancer Institute. Family services will be held at a later date. Donations in John's memory may be given to Northeast Chapter of American Red Cross Indiana Region or Huntington County Humane Society. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com