RAVENNA, Ohio — Wiley F. Bower, 72, of Ravenna, passed away Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at his home.

Born May 19, 1935, in Beckley, he was a son of the late Woodrow W. and Annie J. (Handley) Bower.

Wiley was a popular area educator and coach, retiring in 1987. He spent nearly 20 years in the Rootstown school system, where he was an instrumental part of the athletic department, coaching boys and girls basketball, football, baseball, and golf. He taught English and history. Wiley also taught and coached at Garfield High School in Garrettsville, and taught at Marshall University, where he earned his Master’s degree. He also attended Hampden-Sydney College and Concord College, where he received his Bachelor’s degree.

During the summers and throughout retirement, Wiley operated a landscaping business. He was widely known as an extremely generous person to his family, friends, students and players, and tirelessly volunteered his time throughout his life for various causes and organizations, including the United Way and the American Red Cross. Mr. Bower was proud to be a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. An ardent outdoorsman and sportsman, Wiley was a lifelong West Virginia University Mountaineer fan and supporter.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Dorothy “Dottie” Bower; son, Paul (Lori) Bower of New Albany, Ohio; grandchildren, Matthew and Brendan Bower of New Albany; brothers, Fred (Jan) Bower of Jacksonville Beach, Fla., and James (Elizabeth) Bower of Lewisburg; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends will be received noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Portage Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, OH 44266. Please share your memories at www.mem.com.

Arrangements by Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, Ravenna.