Ralph Emerson Brower

RALPH EMERSON BROWER, 83 of Eaton, OH, died Friday, March 9, 2012 at his residence. Ralph was born August 27, 1928 in Preble County, OH, son of the late Earl Edward and Velma (Daily) Brower. A 1947 graduate of Lanier High School, Ralph was a retired Preble County farmer and was a dealer for DeKalb Seed Corn for 35 years. He served as a supervisor for the Soil and Water Conservation Corp. and was a member of the Preble Housing Metropolitan Association. Ralph was a member of the Eaton Church of the Brethren where he served as a deacon for many years and participated on many Disaster Relief trips. He enjoyed traveling and motor home camping; he caned chairs for people and sold "Brower" Sweet Corn at local farmers markets.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his mother & father-in-law, Omer & Runella Brubaker; brothers and sisters-in-law: Harold & Margaret Brubaker, Fred Bowman and Dennis & Leah Metzger.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anna Mary (Brubaker) Brower; children and spouses, Doyle & Barb Brower, Anita Brower, Denton and Judy Brower, Areda & Keith Rieder; grandchildren and spouses, Deanna (Eric) Hicks, Danielle (Ryan) Pieratt, Jaret (Kyle) Brower, Kira Brower and Amy Rieder; great grandchildren, Meredith & Bryce Pieratt and Logan & Ethan Brower; sisters & brothers-in-law, Mildred & Kenneth Crowell, Helen & Robert Stubbs and Marjorie & Don Nelson; sister-in-law, Ruth Bowman; nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2012 at The Eaton Church of the Brethren, 813 Camden Rd., Eaton, OH with Rev. Martin L. Peacock & Pastor Stan Van Ausdal officiating. Interment will be held in Preble Memory Gardens, near West Alexandria, OH. Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International Preble County Chapter - P.O. Box 141 - Eaton, Ohio 45320 or Hospice of Dayton, Inc. - 324 Wilmington Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45420 or Brethren Disaster Ministries – SW Ohio District – 2293 Gauby Road – New Madison, Ohio 45346. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Homes, 220 East Main Street, Eaton, OH. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com