Michael Jay Gower, beloved husband, Dad, Pop, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 82.

Born on March 11, 1943, in Amarillo, Texas, to Al and Vivian Gower, Mike grew up with an adventurous spirit and a curious mind that defined his life. He spent his childhood in Narragansett, Rhode Island, Austin, Texas, and Nebraska, before the family settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, he graduated from Sandia High School, where he played French horn in the marching band, and later attended the University of New Mexico.

In Albuquerque, Mike met the love of his life, Charlotte Walker. Childhood friends who grew up together at Netherwood Park Church of Christ, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love. They were married on March 26, 1965, and made their home in Albuquerque, where they welcomed their two children, Scott and Amy.

Mike's career with El Paso Products led the family to Midland, Texas. A few years later, they moved to Lubbock when Mike accepted a position at Texas Tech University, where he would work for 32 years as a technician in the Geosciences Department. He earned the respect of faculty, students, and colleagues alike. In 1988, he received the Top Techsan Award for exemplary service. A master of his craft, he became an expert in creating geological thin sections and founded his own business, Standard Petrographics, which he operated from the family garage.

In 2003, Mike and Charlotte moved to Fort Worth to be closer to their children and grandsons. A man of deep faith, he was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and most recently attended Altamesa Church of Christ.

An explorer at heart, Mike found joy in discovery. He had a lifelong love of music – everything from classical and jazz to opera and folk. A voracious reader and independent learner, he restored antique clocks, photographed the beauty he found in the world, and eagerly researched his family genealogy. He taught himself to play racquetball and proudly took second place in two tournaments.

He and Charlotte shared a love of travel and adventure, journeying together across 35 states, Canada, and countless national parks. Whether on the road or at home, Mike's curiosity, creativity, and quiet strength enriched the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vivian Gower.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Charlotte Gower; his son, Michael Scott Gower; his daughter, Amy Adkins and her husband Alton; his grandsons, Jacob and Benjamin Adkins; his brothers, Mark Gower and wife Connie, and Greg Gower and wife Jodi; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held at Altamesa Church on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive your condolences following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the YMCA of the Rockies (www.ymcarockies.org) or the Lewy Body Dementia Association (www.lbda.org).