Paul Gerald “Jerry” Gower, age 68, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday January 19, 2017 surrounded by those that meant the most to him.
Jerry was born on September 17, 1948 in Quincy to Harvey and Rita (Beer) Gower. He married Peggy Lee Willing on June 12, 1971 in Quincy. She survives.

Jerry graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1967 and served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1968 until 1971.

Jerry was best known for his social nature. He never met a stranger and helped anyone he was able to. Jerry loved dirt track racing. Some of his favorite times were spent at Quincy Raceways where he enjoyed watching his nephew Joey race late models and modifieds. Together he and Peggy enjoyed country line dancing (where he often watched Peggy from the sidelines) traveling to St. Louis to watch his beloved Cardinals, taking his chances at the gambling boat in LaGrange, going out to eat with close friends, or spending time watching their grandsons play baseball. Jerry enjoyed collecting coins and baseball cards, and most often, car parts. He was always certain that “someone could use that.”

Over the years Jerry restored numerous cars. He made many friends over the years through collecting and trading things. In his younger years, Jerry was an avid softball player in leagues at the Quincy Park District, the Knight of Columbus, and the Moose Lodge. Jerry was jokester at heart and always endeared people to him with his witty personality. Jerry was an avid Quincy High School Blue Devil fan. He and Peggy were season ticket holders for 45 years. Recently his health prevented him from attending, but he would watch them at home and cheer them on.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his son Kenneth (Lisa) Gower of Quincy; two brothers, Dean (Carla) Gower of Lewistown, MO, and Joe Gower of Quincy; two sisters, Gail (Leroy) Veile of Quincy and Janet (Donald) Benjamin of Payson; five grandchildren, Austin, Ashley, Emily, & Ryan Gower and Kayleigh Ketchum all of Quincy; and one great-granddaughter Maizee Lynn Gower of Hamilton, IL; and two sisters – in – law Kathy Willing of Quincy and Barb Willing of Camp Point. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and many close friends who loved him dearly.

In addition to his mother and father, Jerry was preceded in death by his mother & father – in – law, Marvin and Catherine Willing, his brother – in – law Mike Willing, a nephew Jim Gower and a niece, Angie Gower.

Cremation rights will be accorded and a celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the Casino Starlite, 20th & Cedar in Quincy, on Sunday January 22nd, 2017 from 1:00 – 4:00.
The American Legion Post #37 will conduct military honors at 2:00 p.m.
Those wishing to pay their respects and share a memory about Jerry are welcome to attend. Wear your favorite Cardinals apparel or your best racing t-shirt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Eagles Alps or the Revelation Outlaws Traveling Baseball and Softball program.
Arrangements are with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. www.dukerandhaugh.com