William J. Hower, Jr.

          William “Bill” J. Hower, Jr., 69, of Temple, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Saint Francis Home.  Born in Millville, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Irene K. (Olock) and Reverend William J. Hower, Sr.  He most recently worked at Bertolet Construction pouring concrete.  Bill loved the outdoors and everything about it.   He enjoyed fishing, hunting, nature, and just taking long walks and taking in the outdoor beauty year-round.   When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors and gardening, he was with family.  He especially enjoyed spending time and making memories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Bill struggled with addiction earlier in his life, but with family support, dedication, and determination, he overcame the dark grip of addiction and began healing himself.  He then found faith and strength in the Lord and became devoted and had his heart set on redemption and helping others in any way he could.  Bill would always say if he could pull himself out of the dark depths of addiction, anyone can and to NEVER give up.

            Bill is survived by his children, Todd Hower, husband of Brandy of Tennessee, William J. Hower, III, of Poconos, and Taylor Gambler, of Hawaii.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Spencer, Zachary, Holly, AJ, Todd, Amanda, Megan, William IV, Ashley, and Benjamin, his great grandchildren, Aaron, Kaylee, Scarlett, Skylar, and Christian, and his sisters, Bonnie Lee Ray, wife of Michael of Reading and Rebecca Lynn Kelly, wife of Michael Paolini of Reading.  

            A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 12:00pm in Bean Funeral Home, 1605 Rockland Street, Reading.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from 11:00am to 12:00pm in Bean Funeral Home, Reading.  Interment will follow the service at Forest Hills Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Mr. William "Bill" J. Hower, Jr. to Saint Francis Home, 144 Hillside Drive, Shillington, PA 19607 or at www.stfrancishomereading.org.  Saint Francis Home is a Compassionate Care facility that runs solely off of donations and volunteers.  Bean Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.