The Honorable Alexander T. Bower, (Ret.), of Fort Myers, Florida and formerly of Ottawa, Illinois passed away in his home Monday, September 14, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was 86. Judge Bower was born May 19, 1929 in Ottawa, Illinois to the late Alexander J. and Helen Bertha Bower.
He holds a degree in economics and business administration from the University of Illinois and legal degree from the U of I Law School. He was LaSalle County public defender from 1968 until his election as circuit judge in 1980. He was named chief judge two years later.
During his tenure, he implemented several new programs and reorganized divisions of the court system. In 1983, he reorganized the jury system to a one-day, one-trial program in which prospective jurors serve one day instead of two weeks. The system, according to Judge Bower, has saved the county more than $45,000 per year in jury costs.
Through his efforts, the Illinois Supreme Court instituted one of the first computerized jury systems in the state in LaSalle County. He was also instrumental in computerizing the circuit court’s office in LaSalle, Bureau and Grundy counties and consolidated the juvenile and adult probation services into a circuit-wide department. Additionally, he implemented a conflict mediation and resolution service in custody cases and instituted an electronic monitoring system to help reduce jail overcrowding. He was a true pioneer in his profession and his positive influence is still being felt.
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After retiring he and his wife, Shirley, moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 1996.
Judge Bower is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley Anne Bower; his six children, Deborah A. McGrath (Gary) of Ottawa, Illinois, Michelle L. Bower-Ono (Michael) of Honolulu, Hawaii, Pamela K. Ullstrom (the late Robert Ullstrom) of Ottawa, Illinois, Alexander, W. “Bill” Bower (Carol) of Fort Meade, South Dakota, Jacqueline M. Garza of Houston, Texas and Brian K. Bower (Melissa) of Houston, Texas; his brother, Charles W. “Wayne” Bower of Ottawa, Illinois; he also leaves behind his twelve grandchildren, Michael McGrath (Quintana), Stephen McGrath (Mandi), Mark McGrath, Kevin McGrath (Casey), Alec Ono, Philip Ono, Emiko Ono, Krystina Bower Rojas (Edgar), Randy Garza, Nicolé Garza, Amber Orr and Alexis Bower; he is also survived by his four great grandchildren, Reed McGrath, Elle McGrath, Olivia McGrath and Zeke McGrath.
Visitation will be held 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Church 2157 S. Cleveland Avenue Fort Myers, Florida. He will be laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa, Illinois. Online condolences and memories may be shared on his tribute page atwww.fortmyersmemorial.com
Judge Bower is laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.