Donald M. “Papa Smurf” Gower – Obituary
Donald M. “Papa Smurf” Gower, 85, of Renovo, PA. October 2, 1932 – August 10, 2018
My Daddy passed away today. Well, you see I’m too old to call him Daddy, but I was Daddy’s girl. I am his youngest daughter. Dad didn’t do anything to make news headlines in his life, but he did choose to raise a couple of children that weren’t his own blood, and I was one of them. But he was the best example of a good dad that I could have ever asked for. He always treated me like I was his own, and sometimes, I liked to think that I was his favorite (sorry to my sisters and brothers). My Dad loved his family and worked hard all his life to take care of us. He was a truck driver and a woodsman, as well as doing several other jobs throughout his working career. Dad had a very strong work ethic, and he worked right up until he was 81. I can’t say that Dad had any hobbies, but I do recall at one time he enjoyed metal detecting and was looking for the gold in them there hills of central Pennsylvania. Of course, he never did find it. Oh, and Dad was always chasing the ever elusive big lottery win. That didn’t happen either. Dad liked to joke and loved to visit with his family and friends when he wasn’t working. If ya knew Dad ya knew he was a friendly man who always stood for what he thought was right, and he’d tell ya like it was! Dad was 85 when he left us all here to mourn his passing and he left here on his own terms just as stubborn and bullheaded as always.
He leaves behind a wife, Phyllis, of 50+ years, as well as, one son Donald W. (Carolyn) Gower of Renovo, PA; 3 daughters Sharon (Charlie) Kanouff of Brisban, PA, Joyce (Paul Moser) Perry of Madera, PA and Gladys (Karl) Forman of Sevierville, TN; 13 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; as well as, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 sons, Donald M. Gower, Jr. and Charles (Billy) Gower, and a daughter, Donna Gregory.
Services will be held at Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St.,Mill Hall, PA. August 14, 2018 at 12 Noon with Martha Sykes, OfficiatingViewing will be Tuesday, August 14, 2018, from 9:30 am to 12 o’clock noon.Burial will be at Gardner Hill Cemetery, Weedville, PA,
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the funeral hometo help pay for Dads services.
Arrangements entrusted to Dean K. Wetzler, Jr. Funeral Home, 320 Main St.,Mill Hall, PA 17751.
Online condolences at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.org.
