Johnny Keith Gower, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Johnny was born December 9, 1934 to Alvin and Mildred Gower in Kendrick, Oklahoma. Johnny moved to Pasco in 1944 and graduated from Pasco High School in 1952. After High school he attended Washington State University. He then moved to Cheney to attend Eastern Washington College. While at Eastern he was selected for ROTC and received his commission in 1956. His first assignment after college was in the Field Artillery Branch of the army at Ft. Bliss, Texas as an Electronics Instructor. After completing his two years at Ft. Bliss he went to flight school and became proficient in fixed wing and helicopters. In 1960 he received orders for a three year tour in Germany. Johnny served two combat tours in Viet Nam starting in 1965 with the newly formed Air Calvary Division. During these tours he served with the Bullwhip Squadron C Troop 1/9th and 117th AHC Company, as well as many other assignments. He received numerous awards and decorations, including several air medals. When Johnny returned from Viet Nam, he was selected to attend Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He spent seven years assigned to CACDA Combat Arms Combat Development Activity. After many commands, awards and schools, Johnny retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving 22 years in the US Army. After retiring from the army, he and his family returned to Pasco. He then worked for Battelle Northwest for 20 years. While there he was a Department of Defense project manager. Johnny is survived by his High School sweetheart Barbara Conn who he married in 1953. They had 3 children, Johnny Keith Gower, Jr., Kathy Jean Bausch, and Karen Leigh Cooper Blair; 8 grandchildren, Nick, Tony, Ben, Kalleigh and Marty Bausch, Amanda Gower, Cody and Casey Cooper; great grandchildren Caleb, Brayden, Brooklynn, Tabion, Joziah; his brother Jimmy Jan and family, Jenny Dennis Rogers; Jimmy Jr. Mary, Wade, Wyatt and Wilhelmina; also Jerry's surviving children, Jayna Craig Motzkus, Janel Clum, Jerry Gower, Jr.; cousin, DeWayne Frankie Gower and family; Aunt Helen Gower. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Mildred Gower and brother Jerry. Special mention to close friends and neighbors Lance and Waleta Michael, Glen and Mary Simons, Roma and Ted Walters, Lori and Dale Lindsey, Sonny Putman, Class of '52, Bill and Doris Williams. Johnny loved to fly and really enjoyed his antiques and especially his antique cars. He bought a 1940 Chev like the car that he and Barb used when dating in High School. In the 5th grade Johnny made a list of his goals for his life. We can proudly say he completed these goals by being in the army and becoming an aviator. No words can express how much he will be missed nor how much he is loved by all his family and friends. He fought a valiant battle with his cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, uncle and cousin. We want to express our sincere "Thank you" to everyone at Lourdes and Kadlec Hospitals, Columbia Basin Hematology and Oncology Center, Tri-City Home Health especially Clay and Linda; Hospice at the Chaplaincy, Chaplain Tim and Cassia, Dr. John Intravatolo and Commander Lyle Gilk. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the charity of your choice or Hospice at the Chaplaincy, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick.