Harold L. Brower, 87, of Columbia City, Ind., passed away at 11 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, at his home.  

Born on May 5, 1925, in South Whitley, Ind., he was the son of Reed and Ida Irene(Rivet) Brower.

His early life was spent in Collamer, Ind. On Feb. 17, 1946, he married Grace L. Gaff in Huntington, Ind. Following their marriage, he and Grace established their first home in Larwill, Ind., before moving back to South Whitley in August 2000.

In 2003 they moved to their present residence in Columbia City. He received his formal education in the public schools of South Whitley and Cleveland Township, Whitley County and later earned his GED. He served in the United States Army as a Sergeant for 10 and a half years.  

He was formerly employed by the Fort Wayne Freuhauf Trailer Company delivering truck trailers. He retired from the Teamster’s Union #414 in 1977. He was a member of the Collamer Church of God, Teamster’s Union, VFW South Whitley and the Pierceton American Legion. He currently attended the Larwill Wesleyan Church.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years: Grace L. Brower, Columbia City; three daughters: Wanda K. (Larry) Bolint, Grant Pass, Ore.; Susan L. (James) Converse, Buchanan, Mich.; Sandra L. (Matthew) Courter, Pierceton; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son: Samuel L. Brower; sisters: Lucille Brower LaRue, Mary Lou Keppler, Viola Brower, Leola Williamson, Audrey Barker and Joan Combs; and brothers: Alvin, Carroll, Bob and Richard Brower.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Beck officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Whitley County Korean War Veteran’s Honor Guard. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.

Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Brower’s memory to the Larwill Wesleyan Church.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.