Robert “Bob” Kenneth Sowers Jr., 79, of Wooster, left Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, and went to the big tiki bar in the sky.
Bob was born on April 6, 1946, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, to Robert Sr. and Ione “June” Hoover Sowers. When he was fifteen, he asked Barbara Stary on a date and knew, then and there, she was the one. On September 16, 1967, they were married. Barb survives him.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1966. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 68 of Wooster. Before his retirement, he worked in management in the trucking industry.
Bob had a magnetic personality. He always had a joke and a smile. He would talk to anyone. Millionaire or homeless man, they were equal in his eyes. He was the kind of guy who bought pizza for the nurse’s station when he was in the hospital because they worked so hard. He loved people, and people couldn’t help loving him back. He enjoyed peanut M&M’s, scratch-off tickets, and being out and about, meeting new people. Bob loved his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. The world lost an amazing man, but heaven is rejoicing.
In addition to his wife Barb, he is survived by his children, Cary Ann Harter of Wooster and Kimberly (John) Stillwagon of Wadsworth; grandchildren, Aaron (Debra) Harter of Orrville, Marissa (Christopher) Swartzentruber of Orrville, Sarah (Garrett) Higgins of Orrville, Miles Harter of Wooster, Robert Harter of Wooster, Molly Stillwagon of Wadsworth, Jackson Stillwagon of Wadsworth Leah Stillwagon of Wadsworth and Elias Stillwagon of Wadsworth; great grandchildren. Piper Swartzentruber, Ella Swartzentruber and Willow Harter; siblings Andrea (Alan) Fiedler, Joni (Rohn) Sambol.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Michael Harter, siblings Terry Garrett and David Sowers, and nephew Davey Sowers.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster. Father Stephen Moran will be officiating. Burial to follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Friends will be received at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary’s Catholic School, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Barb and family
Bob was one of a kind! We enjoyed interacting with him when you lived out on Crown Hill. He was always good for a smile, laugh and lots of stories. He was a great man who loved his family. May your many precious memories provide you comfort and peace during this time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
We worked together for many years, Bob was always professional and a pleasure to work with. He always spoke of his family with love and pride.
Sorry to hear that a fellow Kittanningite has passed away. I was born in Kittanning also in 1945. My wife also attends St. Mary’s. May he rest in peace.