Reese C. Bowton, Jr., 93, Sheldon, IL

Reese C. Bowton, Jr., 93, of Sheldon, went home to be with the Lord on July 8, 2012. 

He was born June 12, 1919 in Clifton Forge, VA, a son of R.C. and Mary Edna Iddings Bowton.  He married Doris J. Darling on July 14, 1950 in Sheldon, and she preceded him death on August 8, 2011.

Surviving are three daughters, Connie (Dave) McClure of Jamestown, OH, Chris (Bill) Hepworth of Elburn, IL, and Mary Wolf of Tiskilwa, IL; one sister, Virginia B. Knox of Surprise, AZ; nine grandchildren, Joe (Jenny) McClure, John McClure, Rachel (Alex) Pease, Luke (Ashleigh) Wolf, Paul (Ines) Wolf, Jonathan Wolf, Shannon Hepworth, Lauren Hepworth, and Josh Hepworth; and four great grandchildren, Abby and Owen Wolf, Jason McClure, and Malcolm Pease.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Tammy Gossett; one granddaughter, Mandi Gossett; and two brothers, F. Lowell and James R. Bowton.

Mr. Bowton was a World War II veteran, having served with the First Amored Division Company A, 6th Armored Infantry Bn. Theater of Operations Mediterranean, European, Naples Foggia:  Rome-Arno; North Appennines; Po Valley with over three months on the Anzio beachhead Italy.  He received the following medals:  European, African, Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars; Combat Infantry’s Badge; Purple Heart, Two Bronze Stars.  During his service to our country, he was a Company Commander and promoted to Captain.  He later became a member of the Sheldon American Legion Post 393.

Reese graduated from the University of Illinois in 1941 with a degree in Finance and Business Administration.  He was employed by the Sumner National Bank for 43.5 years as Vice President and Cashier, having retired on June 1, 1991.  He was also former President of Iroquois County Banker’s Federation.  Mr. Bowton was a member of The United Methodist Church of Sheldon where he served on the Board of Trustees.  He also served as Trustee and Village Clerk of Sheldon for 26 years, Trustee of Sheldon Township for many years, and on the Iroquois County School Board of Trustees.  Reese enjoyed The Boy Scouts of America as a youngster growing up in Alexandria, Virginia.  As an adult, he enjoyed reading and hiking in the mountains of Colorado.  He faithfully did what needed to be done whether on the battlefield, taking care of his dad, or taking care of his family.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Knapp Funeral Home in Sheldon as well as one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at the United Methodist Church of Sheldon with Rev. Wes Osborn officiating.  Burial will be in the Sheldon Cemetery with graveside military rites by Sheldon American Legion, Watseka American Legion Post #23, and Iroquois County VFW Post #7450.

Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.