Norval Keith “Kit” Bower, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was 81.
He was born on October 29, 1944 in Mansfield, Ohio to the late Norval Lee and Mary Eva (Ferguson) Bower. Growing up in the area he attended and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the class of 1963.
Keith was a man who felt most at home outdoors, especially anywhere near the water. Having grown up spending his summers at Marblehead, his love for lake life began early and stayed with him throughout his life. Boating was one of his greatest passions- particularly his beloved Lyman Boats- and he found joy in fishing, swimming, and simply being on the water whenever he could. His love for boating ran so deep that he generously shared his knowledge and talents, helping many others restore their treasured old Lyman boats over the years. When autumn arrived, Norval looked forward to time in the fields and woods, enjoying pheasant, deer, and rabbit hunting, and he was just as content spending a peaceful afternoon on the golf course.
A man of deep faith and steady character, Kit dedicated more than twenty years of service to Mansfield Lahm Airport. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: old westerns, reruns of Hee Haw, music from Gaither Vocal Band, summers spent at the lake, and sharing a good meal—whether it was a fish fry, prime rib, or a strong margarita. Known for his quick wit and easy humor, Norval was always ready with a joke and never missed a chance to make others smile. Above all, he cherished his family, finding his greatest joy in time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with the loyal companionship of his beloved dog, Barney. His life was one well-lived—rooted in faith, family, laughter, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Tim Samples) Clark, and her daughter, Anna (Curt) Carr, and their children, Aliyah and Lylah; and Wendy Hallabrin, and her children, Dalton Hallabrin and Chelsea (LT McNeely) VanHouton, and their children, Clay, Oaklee, and Cash. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Porter, Linda (Gary), Darlene (Ivan), and Billie (Danny); numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; his brother, Kenny (Carol) Bower; the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Patricia A. Bower; his special buddy and favorite four-legged companion, Barney; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Keith is preceded in death by his wife Octavia “Maggie” Bower.
A celebration of Kit’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Humane Society of Richland County.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Norval’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com