Jerry Dean Bowman

Jerry Dean Bowman, 62, of Springfield, died Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. Jerry was born February 21, 1955 in Jerseyville, the son of Harold and Shirley Gross Bowman. He married Buff Carmichael on September 20, 2014 in DeWitt County. Jerry graduated from Southwestern in Piasa and attended Robert Morris Business School in Jacksonville. He was employed with the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services until his retirement in 2009 after 33 years of service. He was a member of Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation since 2014 and a member of Heartland Metropolitan Unitarian Church. Jerry was a leader and pioneer in an effort to secure marriage equality. He published the LGBT newspaper, "Prairie Flame," and was co-chair of GLAD. He also volunteered at the 5th Street Renaissance/ SARA Center and various other community resources throughout his years in Springfield. He enjoyed camping and spending time with friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Bowman. He is survived by his husband, Buff Carmichael; mother, Shirley Bowman; siblings, Sonny (wife, Debbie) Bowman, Donna (husband, Don) Phillips, Rona (husband, Danny) Krueger, Keith (wife, Diane) Bowman, and Richard (wife, Amy) Bowman; two aunts; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Rd., Springfield with Rev. Martin E. Woulfe officiating. Graveside Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: 5th Street Renaissance/SARA Center, 1315 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.