William Bowman Obituary

Bowman, William "Bill" Age 81, passed away peacefully from this world on May 6, 2015 after complications with pneumonia. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ramona Bowman; his father, Clifford Bowman; his mother, Beulah (Harmon) Bowman; brother, Robert Bowman (his twin); brother, Jerome Bowman (twin of Juliette); brother, Victor Bowman; sister, Juliette (Shaw); nephew Rodney Shaw, and nieces, Sheree Shaw, Laurie Bowman, and April Bowman. He is survived by his 3 children, Joyce (Bowman) Kunath (John), Julee Bowman (Steve), Jack Bowman (Dawn), and his oldest brother Kenneth Bowman and youngest sister, Joanne Case. Proud grandfather of Kelli Kunath; fond brother-in-law of Nora Zajac; beloved uncle of Mark (Becky) Zajac, Scott (Jan) Zajac, Angie (Ronald) Balle, Tim Shaw, Michael (Teresa) Shaw, and many more nephews and nieces. Bill was born and raised in a small farming community in Atchison County, MO. He joined the Marines after high school, and was trained as an aircraft mechanic. He moved to Chicago in the 1950's for more job opportunities and pursued construction work. He met and married Ramona in 1959 after a short courtship and they raised their family in the western suburbs of Chicago. Bill was a kind and gentle father who was always willing to lend a hand to others. He enjoyed doing special projects and was a great mechanic and handyman. Bill was a long-time employee at Allis-Chalmers a prominent machinery and tractor manufacturer, until he retired to enjoy his golden years. He later found a rewarding part-time job as a school bus driver. Bill will be laid to rest in southern Illinois along with his beloved wife (Ramona) of 55 years, at a private family memorial service.