“ All too soon, we say goodbye to Gregory Louis Bower, age 60, who passed away at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on July 26, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1966, in Lawrence, Kansas.
He preferred to be called “Louie” because, in junior high, he took guitar lessons, and the only song he knew was “Louie, Louie.” The nickname stuck. He always knew what he wanted to do when he “grew up.” At age 18, he followed in his beloved grandfather’s footsteps in the floor-covering trade, eventually owning and operating his own successful business for 30 years.
Louie is survived by his sons, Austin and Sebastian Bower of Topeka; his mother, Linda Provo of Lawrence; his father, Robert Vincent “Vince” (Barbara) Bower of Omaha; and his sister, Michelle Moreland of Lawrence, who treasures a lifetime of memories—especially of “52 Card Pickup,” played three times before she realized he wasn’t actually teaching her a card game. She is also grateful to be the single caregiver for him in his last year.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephew: Sierra Pritchard of Lawrence; Misty (Andrew) Eisenbarger of Lawrence; Joshua (Liz) Moreland of Kansas City; Molly Moreland of Kansas City; Emily Moreland of Lawrence; and many other beloved family members scattered across the United States.
Louie was preceded in death by his older brother, Chris, in 2017, whom he missed dearly; his maternal grandparents, Mabel Heinrich Hagerman and Louie Heinrich; and his paternal grandparents, Ed and Nelly Bower.
Everyone who knew Louie knew he had both a superpower and a secret—he cared. He cared deeply, even if he sometimes had a hard time admitting it. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
In true Louie fashion, we will gather for one last North Lawrence party at the Union Pacific Train Depot on Sunday, August 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided.”
