Robert Nelson Hower

Robert N. Hower, 68, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly early Friday afternoon, October 19, 2018.Born in Sandusky, OH, Bob was the son of Kenneth and Mary (Smith) Hower. He was a 1968 graduate of Sandusky High School and attended Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University. For over 30 years, he owned and operated local restaurants including Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and Shoney’s. 

Bob was a member of the Sandusky Rotary Club, Plum Brook Country Club, and a member and a past President of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed golfing and cooking for his family. He was a lifelong and passionate fan of the Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Bob is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy J. (Francis) Hower; daughter, Sarah J. Hower (Jake Smith)of Raleigh, NC; son, Derek R. Hower (Christina Hower) of Durham, NC; his three grandchildren, Mason Smith, Clara Hower, and Grant Hower; brother, Mike Carlisle (Liz Carlisle) of Mission Viejo, CA; sister, Gayle Carlisle Davis of Pittsburgh, PA; his godson, Gibson Carlisle; his aunt Evelyn Hawk (Lester Hawk), mother-in-law M. Jayne Francis, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Bruce Carlisle; his grandmother, Margaret Bahnsen; his great aunt Melvina Burmeister; sister, Sandy Matsuda, and his father-in-law CledwynFrancis.

The family will hold a celebration of Bob’s life for family and friends at Plum Brook Country Club, 3712 Galloway Road, Sandusky, on Saturday, October 27 from 2-5pm.   

In his memory, Bob’s family will establish a scholarship for local students attending The Ohio State University. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bob Hower Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o the Erie County Community Foundation, 135 East Washington Row, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Arrangements are entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky. Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Bob's family at davidfkoch.com.

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