Phillip “Phil” Lee Gower, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Vincennes , Indiana on September 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with stage 4 esophageal cancer. He was lovingly cared for by his devoted wife and daughter during his final days.
Phillip was born on September 14, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the late Wilford D. Gower and the late Norma M. (Wilson) Berry. A proud graduate of Vincennes University and Indiana State University, he earned degrees in journalism—an early passion that guided his remarkable career.
On May 29, 1969, Phillip married the love of his life, Beth Slinkard Gower. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, family, and community.
Phillip dedicated over three decades to his work as a newspaper editor, leading the Daily Republican Register in Mount Carmel, Illinois, from May 1979 until his retirement in May 2013. His passion for the written word and dedication to journalistic integrity left an enduring mark on colleagues, readers, and the community he served.
A man of faith, Phillip was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Mount Carmel, Illinois, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Greenwood, Indiana. He adored his wife, daughter, and granddaughter and cherished time spent with friends and family. Phillip also found joy in music—especially his lifelong love of The Beatles.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill Gower.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Beth Slinkard Gower of Vincennes, Indiana; his daughter, Lindy Gower Meiser (Greenwood, Indiana); his granddaughter, Marabelle Meiser (Greenwood, Indiana); and his sisters: Linda Dolph (Fredericksburg, Virginia), Marianne Stratton (Sandpoint, Idaho), and Elise Bryant (Murrieta, California).
A private graveside service will be held on October 18, 2025. A celebration of Phillip’s life will be planned at a later date for all friends and family to gather in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Marabelle Meiser’s college education fund at https://www.ugift529.com using the code 863-70T. Like her beloved grandpa, Marabelle aspires to a career in journalism as a future news anchor.
Phillip’s legacy of love, integrity, and devotion to storytelling will live on in all who knew him.
