Saturday, 31 of July of 2010

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 20:56

  Joe Trower was an important mentor to me at several key points in my life. My first memories are from Mark Twain Camp in Florida, Missouri, where Joe served as camp director. My many happy memories include swimming in the lake, hiking up and down the hills, singing hymns, journaling, and enjoying delicious home-made meals prepared by Joe’s Mom. Joe was a terrific and dedicated leader during my five summers at Mark Twain Camp, and I treasure those memories to this day. Steve Collins, 1-18-2010

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 21:01

  CROP Walks For Hunger are a second important memory that connect me to Joe Trower. As state CWS director Joe and my Dad organized huge walks in Mexico that included not only our church but also the Methodist and Christian Chruch. Our walks would snake though the streets with water and snack breaks along the route. This was back when we walked a full ten miles, and it was a great day of fun and service and celebration for all participants. And we also raised lots of money for worthy projects around the world!

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 21:06

  Perhaps most important is Joe’s suggestion that I call CWS during my senior year in college to explore volunteer service opportunities. I was selected as a Volunteer in Mission for CWS to work at Service Chretien d’Haiti. I lived with a Haitian family who spoke no English and learned Creole within three months. During my two years I worked mostly on the island of La Gonave helping build water projects, roads, grain silos, tree nurseries, health clinics, and a vocational school. These are truly rewarding memories, attributable largely to Joe’s suggestion!

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 21:14

  While in Haiti the church leaders on La Gonave requested a tractor and wagon to help with transport over the very rough roads. I shared this request with Joe — and within months he raised $10,000 to buy a bright blue Ford tractor! I recall the joyful dedication ceremony when our La Gonave program director, Louis Jasmin, blessed both the new tractor and the Missouri CROP supporters who gave this gift to the people on the island of La Gonave, one of the poorest areas of Haiti. This tractor served the folks on La Gonave very well for many years. Thank you, Joe!

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 21:22

  I just recalled a memory I had forgotten from the summer between my junior and senior years of college when I worked at the Mid-Missouri Council of Governments in Jefferson City, and was in need of a place to stay. Joe spoke to his CWS office manager Eleanor Vieth, who offered me a room for the summer in her home. Not only did I reduce my commuting costs from Mexico (this was the summer of 1976 during first oil shock), but I make a terrific new friend in Eleanor Vieth– and a very inspiring one at that!

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• Steve Collins

  in January 18th, 2010 @ 21:29

  My next memory of Joe I share with my wife Brenda, because Joe shared his quilting skills with us for his wedding gift to us in 1987. What is especially memorable about this gift is that Brenda’s grandmother pieced the materials together years before but had not yet made them into a quilt before she passed away. When Joe learned this he gathered the pieces Brenda’s grandmother had sewed together and quilted it into the beautiful quilted treasure that graces our bedroom to this day. Thank you, Joe!

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• Don Hilkerbaumer

  in January 19th, 2010 @ 13:19

  In 1967, Joe became my pastor when we arrived at the Salem Hope Presbyterian Church. He encouraged me to enter the ministry and facilitated my entrance to the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He mentored me in the many years of my ministry and has been a strong support for our whole family. Through his leadership, the Hope Church has done remarkable things in mission. As we give God the glory for Joe Trower, I am privileged to join his family, his congregation, and the Presbytery in celebrating his life.

  Grace and Peace,
  Don Hilkerbaumer, Pastor
  Plain City Presbyterian Church (USA)
  Plain City, Ohio

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• Mike Nolting

  in January 20th, 2010 @ 21:26

  There is no way I could list any single moment that Joe’s ministry affected my life. Joe has been my Pastor all of my life. He baptized me, confirmed me, married me and I’m privileged to say that he baptized our daughter. Joe touched the lives of everyone he met. He will always have a large place in my hearts and those of my family.

  Mike Nolting, Elder
  Bethel-Salem Presbyterian Church, Morrison, MO

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• Bruce Berry

  in January 21st, 2010 @ 07:43

  Joe served MUP for 21 years as Stated Clerk and did it with little or no recognition. Joe did it his way, which means… most of all, he cared for folks and did it well. He will be missed by many people in Mid MO.

  Bruce Berry

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• Lola Hesse

  in January 21st, 2010 @ 16:58

  We first met Rev. Joe Trower when he was the Pastor at Memphis Presbyterian Church and have enjoyed seeing and visiting with him for the past number of years at the Presbytery meetings. The Kahoka Presbyterian Church was honored by Joe’s presence at their 125th Anniversary in June of 2008.

  Our prayers are with his family and also the Bethel-Salem Church. He was a true servant of God and will be greatly missed.
  Calvin and Lola Hesse

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• Abby Nolting

  in January 22nd, 2010 @ 10:16

  I only knew Joe for a short period of time, but he was remarkable man. He was pastor of my husband’s church, Bethel-Salem. From the first time I met him, he was an inspiration. Even though I am not Presbyterian, Joe made me feel like a part of his congregation; he was always full of compassion and acceptance. He was selfless and never quit giving. I cherish the fact that he was healthy enough (or just stubborn enough) to participate in Matt and my wedding in November. I will never forget his extraordinary smile! Thank you, Joe. May you rest in peace with our Lord!

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• Gail Cunningham

  in January 23rd, 2010 @ 11:38

  Joe Trower brought blessing and joy to us in Heartland Presbytery through Church Women United. His faithful preparation for, transport, set-up, and follow through made the “Festival of Sharing Quilt Auction Preview Show” an annual highlight for CWU in Kansas City. He encouraged CWU members’ participation in the Festival of Sharing. His skill and creativity in quilting and in marketing the Festival, and his passion for helping to make the world a better place were always an inspiration. He was one of us, and he had a membership card to prove it! We’ll miss you, Joe.
  Gail Cunningham, Church Women United of Kansas City, MO

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