Fred Bower

Fred Bower, 81, went home to be with the Lord on November 20, 2018 in Bryan, Texas with his wife and children by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, JoAnn Davis Bower and his children, Diana (Bower) and Steve Warden of Flowood, Mississippi and Frederick Mark and Nancy Bower of San Marcos, California along with his Grandchildren Ashley (Bower) and Kevin Pollard of San Marcos, California, Brittany Bower of Encinitas, California, Jessica Warden of Brandon, Mississippi, Zachary Warden of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Alexandra Warden of Nashville, Tennessee. He was also blessed with four great grandsons – Steven Finley Warden, Brayden Marshall Pollard, Landon Emery Pollard and Ethan Frederick Pollard.

Fred was born on December 17th, 1936 in Waukegan, Illinois the only child of Frederick Clarence and Jewel Bower. He grew up in San Pedro, California graduating San Pedro High School where he met his wife to be JoAnn Davis. Fred attended Long Beach State University and was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. After several years of minor league baseball he dedicated himself to a career in the baking industry, starting at the DiCarlo Bakery in San Pedro. He married JoAnn on June 21, 1958 and attended the American Institute of Baking.

He continued his career in baking with the Continental Baking Company (Wonder Bread), spent 10 years as President of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts before becoming a partner in and President of Mid-South Bakeries, a series of McDonald’s dedicated bakeries across the south and south east headquartered in Bryan, Texas. He was past president of the American Society of Bakers and long-standing member of the American Bakery Association. Fred won the prestigious Silver Fox award – a life time achievement award presented by the McDonald’s Corporation to a deserving vendor/supplier partner.

Fred was a born again Christian and attended Central Baptist Church. He and JoAnn enjoyed golf and traveled extensively both for business and family. Golf was always included whenever possible. Fred was a dedicated family man and loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as often as possible. He enjoyed watching all level of sports but his favorite trip was to Augusta, Georgia to watch the Masters golf tournament which he attended on numerous occasions.  

The family would like to extend its utmost appreciation to all the medical staff who assisted Fred over the past 15 months especially those at the Bryan Cancer Clinic, MD Anderson and Brazos County Hospice. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Brazos County Hospice or the Ronald McDonald House.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 8th, 2018 at 11am at Central Baptist Church at 1991 FM 158 College Station, Texas with Senior Pastor Chris Osborne officiating.

Condolences

  1. JoAnn, I worked with Fred for many years with Cannon & Company, LLP in North Carolina. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I enjoyed working with him and I regret that we never got to meet. I will be praying for you and your family. He will be missed.

  2. Fred was a great man and will be missed by so many. It was a pleasure working for Fred the years that I was fortunate enough to. I pray the Lord will bless, comfort, and be with all of you (his family, friends and other loved ones) in this time of remembrance, grieving and healing. Fred is in a better place and no longer suffering. That in itself if a blessing. You will all be together again some day. Until then know that Fred will be looking over all of you.

    God Bless

  3. To JoAnn and all the family

    I believe all of you know how positive an influence Fred was in my life. We met 28 years ago
    in 1990 and formed not only a business relationship at that time but a personal friendship
    that continued with my employment with MidSouth Bakeries in 1998, but Fred enabled me
    to move to San Diego, marry the love of my life Devra and spend time with my now 4 of 7 Grandchildren here in the San Diego area.

    There are no words to describe how much Fred Bowers Caring, Generosity, Leadership and example of a true Christian in his business and daily life was a positive influence on me.

    I remember he carried a small card in his wallet that said, there is no problem too large or too small that cannot be solved by the power in ones self and the help of Almighty God.

    HIs optimism was reflected in his business decisions , one day he mentioned I have never made a bad decision just a few good decisions that went bad. I laughed and replied, well the one you
    are referring too just became a very good one.

    In 2001 after working for Fred as a senior accountant , my father had passed away and I decided to retire. As a retirement present , Fred bought me an entire set of Tiger Wood
    Irons and Hybrids , including the golf bag and accessories.

    He immediately asked to me play with him at Pebble Creek Country Club, one of many times,
    During the round , I had the opportunity to hit one of the new hybrids, a beautiful balanced
    engineered club. After I hit the golf ball, I walked back to the golf cart and Fred smiled and
    said, Russ you used to hit that club about 175 yards to the edge of the lake, man you hit that
    ball over 225 yards all the way into the middle of the lake. We both laughed heartily all the
    way to the next tee.

    In closing, Fred Bower was a man that all could look up to and follow in his example , his
    energy and zest for life, his passion for excellence in Business and Family and his love
    of his Wife and Church are without equal. I shall miss him terribly but look forward to
    the day that with Gods help I may join him in heaven.

    Please accept Devra and I’s heartfelt condolence’s in this time of loss, be joyous as another
    angel is now in heaven to help the Lord.

    With All our Love and Prayers
    Russell and Devra Smith

  4. Mr Fred Bowers was a man that I met in 2002 . He was always a friendly man to his employees . Even though he was president of the company you got the feeling that he was really concerned about the welfare and stability of his employees including me . Prayer of strength for his family and anyone who is greifing because of his passing . On occasion when I would be in Pelahatchie on business I always enjoyed him being there and we had a few serious conversations about work and what was going on in the world . He is much missed . Hope to meet him on the other side when my time comes . Mr Fred was a very good man !

  5. JoAnn. We were sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Thank you for remembering us. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. Great memories we will always treasure.

  6. Our deepest love and compassion are with JoAnn and the entire Bower family. We love you all. What a legacy Fred has left. His beautiful family and the multitude of friends who’s lives he has touched.
    He has been a life long friend of ours and we are filled with love and sadness. Love for the kind and compassionate man Fred was, and sadness because of the loss to his family and friends.
    But, we are also filled with laughter as we remember his friendship and sense of humor. (Fred jokes are still being told in our house)
    Through all of these emotions there is also joy because we are confident that when Fred Bower stands before the Lord he will hear “my child look around you, Great is your reward.”

    Ed and Susan Culbert

  7. Joann, Mark, and Diana,

    I am so sorry to hear this! I just found out today. I would have loved to hug your necks. You and your families are always on my mind and in my prayers.

    I don’t know what else to say except, I love you all and miss you!

    Chris Bower (Iowa)

  8. JoAnn,
    I just found out about Fred’s passing..
    He was such a wonderful friend to me in the early 80’s both at Krispy Kreme, on the golf course, and in church. I am so sorry and wish I could have spent time with him somehow..
    I prayed for you and your family tonight and will continue to pray for you in the days to come.
    God Bless you and your family..

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