Benjamin Thomas Bower, 88, of Blacksburg, passed away June 3, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents Fred L. Bower and Rebecca M. Bower.
Ben was a graduate of Blacksburg High School and Virginia Tech, Class of 1958. He taught in Roanoke City Schools at Woodrow Wilson and served as the first Industrial Arts teacher at Patrick Henry High School. He subsequently worked in Machine Sales and finished his career at Mechanical Development in Salem, retiring in 2005. In his younger years he was a BMW Motorcycle enthusiast riding coast to coast. He loved to share that he had visited 44 of the lower 48 states. He was a Lifetime Member of the Shawnee Gun Club, enjoying their social activities. Family was very important to Ben. He loved attending birthday parties for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always there for his family and friends to repair things or help them in anyway. He was a solid Hokie Fan cheering them on through their ups and downs. Ben also loved many Schnauzers through the years and little Ava will miss him greatly.
He is survived by his three children, Leslie Bower (Stacy), Susan Kessler (Reif) and Ben Bower,II (Alisa). He had five grandchildren, Stephen Batick (Corrin), Vanessa Bower, Rebecca Batick (Pablo), Andrew Kessler (Hope) and Eric Kessler (Lizzie). He had 12 great-grandchildren, Robert, Jay, Augusta, Lena Joy, Camden, Grayson, Nora, Trip, Carson, Bennie, Bennett and Bella. He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Judith Bower and his brother Fred L. Bower, II.
A visitation with the family was held at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg Monday, June 8 and a Celebration of Life followed. A family graveside service followed at Westview Cemetery in Blacksburg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke, 5985 Coleman Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24018 or NRV Sportsmen For Kids 7438 Alum Spring Road, Dublin, Virginia 24084.
