Obituary of James Larry Gower

James “Larry” Gower, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, peacefully passed away at his residence during the early morning hours while he was sleeping on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. He was born September 18, 1943 in Fairmont, WV, a son of the late James “Pappy” and Sarah Belle “Sadie” Lucas Gower. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Alonso Gower. Larry was raised in the Baxter Church of God and was a 1962 graduate of Fairview High School. Soon after graduation, Larry joined the United States Army where he was sent to Fort Jordan, near Augusta, GA, and then attended boot camp and basic training at Aberdeen, MD. He was shipped out to Germany and spent two years in service. While there, he used his interest in athletics to start a baseball team to help build a more positive and uplifting morale among the soldiers. He enjoyed coaching at all levels throughout his life. Upon his return from his military service, Larry came home to work in the mines for over 22 years, in Grant Town, WV. In 1986, he established the Educational Resource Center, a teacher and parent supply store in Fairmont. Larry enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took special interest in raising rabbit hunting dogs over the years which included his special pups: Bonnie and Clyde, and Freckles. Larry always looked on the bright side of life, even when things seemed otherwise. He would always say “Look Up” to bring you out of your slump. In addition to his wife, Larry is survived by his son, Matthew and his wife Teri Beth Gower of Carolina, WV, his grandsons, of whom he was especially proud, Fletcher Gower, Bow Gower, and Steyr Gower. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives, William “Lug” and Judy Gower of Rivesville, Hatch and Brenda Gower of Bellview, Tom and Mary Gower of Fairmont, and John and Trish Gower of Logan, WV, and his sister-in-law, Dotty E Gower, as well as his nieces and nephews, from the Gower, Napolillo, O’Dell, Morris, Prince, and Freville families Larry was preceded in death by his sons, Joseph “Joey” Anthony Gower and Terry L. Gower, as well as his sons’ mother, Palma Sue Sarver Gower, and his brother, Ronald L. Gower. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, DeGarmo Funeral Home, 207 Second Street, Rivesville, WV. Friends and family may visit on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 2PM until 8PM and on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10AM until 11AM. The funeral will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11AM with Rev. Gary Steele officiating. Interment will follow at the Arnettsville Cemetery in Arnettsville, WV. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.