Forrest C. 'Bud' Bower, Jr.

Forrest C. 'Bud' Bower, Jr., 91, of Grafton, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, November 7, 2024. He was born in Grantsville, West Virginia April 23, 1933 to Forrest and Opal (nee: Williams). Bud served his country proudly in the Army during the Korean War and continued to support the military, police force, firefighters, and all who defend and support this great country. He married his sweetheart, Leta (nee: Lieving) in 1962, and raised his family in Northeast Ohio, working tirelessly as a steel worker and volunteer to many organizations. Bud loved tending to his yard, repairing things, caring for his beloved pets, visiting relatives in West Virginia and making new friends. He was passionate about politics and helping others in need, but his greatest life-long passion was supporting and spending time with his family. Bud demonstrated his deep love for his family every day that he lived. He will be remembered by many for his selflessness and generosity, but his family will never forget how much he loved them. Survivors include his daughters, Rosemary Nails, Angela (Tim) Ruffner, and Renee Voiers; son, Jeffery Bower; grandchildren, Ashley (Kyle) McNeely, Sarah (Nick) Asadorian, Derek and Allie Ruffner, and Connor Voiers; great-grandchildren, Ella and Carter McNeely, and Wes Asadorian; sisters, Janet Clark, Shirley (Allen) Lieving, Roberta 'Susie' (Tom) Prouty, and Beverly (Terry) King; brother, Ken; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife in 2007; sisters, Sharon Harden, Phyllis Lewis, and Gloria King; brothers, Jesse, Marvin 'Buck', Mitchell, Richard, and Roger. Visitations will be held Monday, November 11, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at the Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Road (at State Route 57), in Elyria. Reverend Chuck Behrens, Chaplain of the Hospice of the Western Reserve will officiate. Burial will be held at Brookdale Cemetery in Elyria with military honors being presented by the V.F.W Post 1079 in Elyria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Forrest's name can be sent to the Lorain County Dog Kennel, 301 Hadaway Street, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.