John S Bowman

Born July 14, 1924 in Rockport, Indiana to Ernest S. and Katie Lee (Dawson) Bowman, he married Virginia Lee Meyer on July 6, 1946 in Henderson, Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by his wife on September 3, 1993 in Pekin; 1 daughter, Brenda Faye Bowman; 3 brothers; and 1 sister.

Surviving are 2 sons, Larry (Cathy) Bowman and John (Stephenie) Bowman, both of Pekin; 1 daughter, Diana Lynn Higgs of Pekin; 7 grandchildren, including Patricia Joann Williams of Pekin, who he raised; and 14 great-grandchildren.

John worked for Lonza Chemical in Mapleton for over 10 years, retiring in 1983. Previously, he had worked over 10 years in the maintenance department at Pekin Hospital. He and his wife had also owned and operated Ginny's Crafts in Branson, Missouri.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

John was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Pekin.

He was a former member of Pekin Moose Lodge #916.

John enjoyed woodworking, bowling, fishing, gardening, and horseshoe pitching (the Lonza champion). A dedicated sports fan, he also was a big Jimmie Johnson NASCAR fan.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. The Rev. James "Jimmy" Cariker of the First Church of the Nazarene in Branson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2008at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Graveside military rites will be provided by the U.S. Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team, C/O Rosalia Perkinson, 612 South 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.