Rev. Stanley L. Bower

The Rev. Stanley Bower was called for an appointment with his Boss, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Stanley is the son of Henry E. and Pearl (Smith) Bower. He was currently serving Canby Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg.

Stan started his working career at First National Bank, Milton. He then moved to selling insurance and eventually real estate sales and appraisals, becoming the owner of Century 21 Colonial Real Estate, Muncy.

In 2002, he began serving the Mountain Grove Lutheran Parish in Bloomsburg and became an ordained pastor in October 2006.

Stan had been Cub Master of Pack 3637; chairman of Boy Scout Troop 605 and from 1984 to 1985 was chairman of the Netami District of the Susquehanna Council of boy scouts. He was also a member of the council’s board and was vice president for council operations. He was awarded the District Award of Merit.

Stan was a member of the Milton Rotary Club, having served as secretary-treasurer for many years and also earning Rotarian of the year. He became president in 1981 and went on to become a District Governor in 1986. Stan’s current role was as Sergeant of Arms.

He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Milton, having taught Sunday School, and was an advisor for the Luther league. He was treasurer for many years and served on congregational council from 1979 to 1985, being its president from 1981 to 1985.

Stan’s other affiliations were the Milton Moose, Watsontown Lodge 401 of Masonic Temple and other Masonic bodies, and the Milton Elks where he served as Exalted Ruler, Chairman of Trustees and as a District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler.

He is a past director and campaign chairman of the Milton United Way and has donated 12 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

Stan has acted in 14 amateur theater productions for the Milton Area Theatre of the Arts and for Milton Rotary Club. He and his wife have also hosted two exchange students through the Milton Rotary.

In 1986, the Milton Standard Journal made Stan one of the distinguished citizens of the year. In February of 1988, he was awarded the Samuel Fisher award by the West Branch YMCA for this service to youth.

Stan is survived by his wife, the former Carole Jean Yocum, in which his departure breaks nearly 60 years of marriage. He is also survived by a son, Stanley Jr. (Heidi); two grandsons, Evan and Noah; and a sister, Lucena Heivly.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Henry Jr. and David.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 30 at Canby Lutheran Church, 529 Millertown Road, Bloomsburg. Friends will be received following the service in the downstairs of the Church for a time of visitation and fellowship.

Private burial will be held in Muncy Cemetery.

Stan has requested no flowers and suggests contributions in his memory be made to Canby Lutheran Church, 529 Millertown Road Bloomsburg, PA 17815.