Wayne Bower

Wayne Bower went to his eternal reward on Friday, February 3rd, at the age of ninety-two. He was known as "Mr. B" to the thousands of math students he helped over a 42-year career at Hillsboro High School.  He was respected and loved for his gentle manner, his sense of humor, and his willingness to give time to any student in need of extra help.  He delighted in the success of his students, and they returned the favor by including him in their lives and reunion parties. 

Wayne was born December 12, 1930, in Corsicana, Texas, where he grew up as 1 of 11 children born to Rex Bower, Sr. and Luticia (Coker) Bower.  He graduated from Corsicana High School, attended college at Navarro College, Texas A&M Commerce, and TCU, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Education (history/math) and a master’s degree in Math.  He married Betty Lou (Auld) Bower on Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd, 1951. 

He taught at Hillsboro High School for the 1952-53 school year before being drafted into the Army, where he attained the rank of Sergeant and served 1953-55 as a helicopter mechanic.  Upon discharge, he returned to Hillsboro High School in 1955, where he taught algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus to 2 and sometimes 3 generations of the same family.  He drove a school bus for over 20 years, was the sponsor of the National Honor Society, and ran the NHS concession stand 4-5 nights per week during basketball season for many years.  He served as the district's textbook coordinator for decades, spending many summer days moving old textbooks out and new books into each district building, and worked with the Summer Work/Study Program at HHS.   

In addition to school-related activities, he worked for many years with Bond's Alley Art Festival, helping put up and take down the event, doing whatever needed to be done, and sold his own paintings and carvings there.  He and Betty were very active with First United Methodist Church in Hillsboro, where he taught a Sunday school class for over 50 years, along with many other contributions. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, by his parents, and by 9 brothers and sisters.  He is survived by one brother, Melba Bower of Corsicana; 2 sons:  David Wayne Bower and wife Donna Bower of Hillsboro, and Steven Eugene Bower and wife Toni Bower of Arlington; by grandchildren Steven Eugene Crawson of West, Holly Marie Kubitza of Riesel, Brooklin Nicole Bower of Grapevine, and Natalie Colleen Bower of Hillsboro; Step-Grandchild Randi Renee White of Jacksonville, FL, and by great-grandchildren Richard Lane Kubitza, Emerson Jane Kubitza, Keegan Jenkins, Kaitlyn Brooke LaBerge and Makenzie Laynna LaBerge, as well as a large number of nieces, nephews, and their families.  

Visitation for Wayne Bower will be at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 17th, 6-8 pm. His funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 18th at 10 am at First United Methodist Church, with graveside service immediately following at Hillcrest Garden of Memory Cemetery. 

With his dedication to making higher education and trades training available to all, we hope you will consider donating to the Wayne Bower Scholarship Fund, c/o Hillsboro Independent School District, 121 E. Franklin St., Hillsboro TX 76645 

Matthew 25:21--His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" 

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