He was born on May 8, 1943 in Hackelburg, AL to Herman and Verdell (Cole) Towery. He married Stephanie Dixon on March 19, 1988 in Peoria. She survives.
Also surviving are his two sons, Richard (Vickie) Towery of Ringgold, GA and Jessee (Lori) Towery Jr. of Pekin; one daughter, Tracy (Bob) Bearden of Montgomery, IL; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; three brothers, David (Glinda) Towery of South Pekin, Allen Towery of Delavan and James Towery of Pekin; three sisters, Alice (Jake) Bohannan, Sandy (Jim) Bennett both of Pekin and Kimberly Rice of Cayuga, IN; a half brother, Russell (Anna) Towery of Cayuga, IN; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Frances Farlan, Betty Mason and Judy Towery and two brothers, Ed Towery and Herman Towery Jr.
Jessee served in the U.S. Army in both the Korean and Vietnam War. He worked for Cohen's Furniture for many years before retiring. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin and AMVETS in Pekin. He will be remembered as the best BINGO caller ever. He was a lifelong Cub fan and enjoyed gardening and fishing.
A funeral mass will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin with visitation one hour prior to the service. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
The family would like to thank Misty and the visiting Angels for their loving care.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, OSF Hospice Program or to the Alzheimer's Association.
