White Funeral Home
400 1st Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Rowley - William John Bearbower, 85 years old, of rural Rowley, Iowa, died on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at his home following a sudden illness. He was born on November 25, 1925, on his family’s farm in Homer Township of Buchanan County, Iowa, the son of William Ray and Mary Ann (Buehler) Bearbower. He attended the Buchanan County country schools. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. On December 30, 1953, he and the former Melba Mae Buchholz were married at the Methodist Church in Iowa City, Iowa. They farmed the land where he was born and died until retiring in 2005. Mr. Bearbower was a member of the United Methodist Church in Brandon, the Bechter-Boies V.F.W. Post #2440 in Independence, and the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed visiting his local fishing holes and introducing his children, and later his grandchildren, to the joys of fishing.

Mr. Bearbower is survived by his wife of 57 years, Melba, 1 son, Donald (Sue) Bearbower of Independence, Iowa, 2 grandchildren, Chelsea Bearbower and Andy Bearbower, 1 brother, Harold (Sharon) Bearbower of Rowley, and 1 sister-in-law, Delores Bearbower of Rowley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son, Ronald Bearbower, 1 daughter, Sandra Mae Bearbower, in infancy, 2 brothers, Merle Bearbower and Earl Bearbower, and 1 sister, LaVonne Dudley.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at the White Funeral home of Independence with Rev. Lanette Sue Van officiating. Casket Bearers were Dave Corkery, Keith Milbach, Duane Gates, Chris Barron, Rick Matthiesen, and Jason Franck. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.