Larry Kenneth Bower

Larry Kenneth Bower, ageless, passed into his heavenly home on November 2, 2026 with his wife of 35 years by his side. Larry was born in Creston, Iowa to Kenneth and Marjorie Bower. His formative years were spent between Creston and Indianola, Iowa. Much of these years Larry spent excelling in academics, track and field, Boy Scouts (achieving the rank of Eagle Scout), drama, choir, ROTC, and—most notably—as a member of "The Filthy Five," who were actually five of the cleanest-living boys you’d ever hope to meet. Larry graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcasting. Following graduation, he became a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and served stateside during the Vietnam War as an Information Officer. Upon discharge, he returned to Iowa, where he worked in public relations for the Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine. Eventually, Larry moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he worked in public relations and marketing for the Indiana Institute of Technology. This was followed by five years in broadcasting at WLYV Radio where he and his team pioneered the Three Rivers Raft Race and other antics of the era. Following that were 17 years at WKJG-TV (NBC affiliate) where he was the Promotion Director and the emcee for The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon as well as host of Star Talk, interviewing celebrities such as Michael J Fox, Denzel Washington, Patrick Stewart, and Rosa Parks. Rounding out his career were 22 years as a member of the multiple award-winning Three Guys in the Morning crew at WBCL Radio. It was at WBCL where Larry garnered more awards for excellence in radio journalism than his shelves could hold. For more than 40 years, Larry also distinguished himself as an actor in all of the Fort Wayne theaters, winning awards and acclaim for his talent. In 1988, along with partner, Alan North, he created Bower North Productions for which he wore many hats: producer, writer, and actor in various genres of live entertainment. He also worked as a writer and talent for commercials, videos, and independent films. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed photography, running in Fort4Fitness and other local races, as well as camping with family—especially with his sons and grandchildren. In keeping with his father’s and grandfathers’ legacy, it was Larry’s desire to be esteemed as a "Christian gentleman." He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church along with his family. Larry is survived by his wife, Teresa; his sons, Steve (Shelly), Christopher (Claudia), Austin, and Andrew (Paris), his grandchildren: Alison, Eric, Alexander, and Lucas; siblings, Marilyn (Robert), Margene (Thomas), Robert (Marti), along with many other dear family and friends. Celebration of Life, Larry loved parties and the holidays; please feel free to dress in a festive, colorful manner. Memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Peace Lutheran Church, 4900 Fairfield Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46807 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Memorial gifts may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or WBCL Radio.