Lehi resident entrenched in service, Scouts

Although Schow no longer serves on the board, he continues as a docent at the museum, spending a day a week giving tours.

Before Schow served his community, including nearly half a century as a local leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he joined the Navy in 1945. It became a turning point in his life, he recalled. For the first time the young Schow was on his own, making his own decisions.

"It changed my life and my values — how I look at things," he said. "I had to make decisions on my own."

An organ and piano player, Schow volunteered as the ship's pianist during church services presided over by a Catholic priest, the ship's chaplain. But he refused the Catholic communion and had to bear the priest's criticism of his LDS faith. He also endured ridicule from his shipmates when he refused to join them smoking, drinking and gambling.

Schow's four brothers also served in the military, all at the same time during WWII.

His most enjoyable service came from serving as bishop of the Lehi 5th Ward, where he has been a member his entire life.

"You get close to the people," he said.

Schow also served as president of the Lehi Stake.

He and his wife of 56 years, Elaine, have five children, 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

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E-mail: rodger@desnews.com