Joseph R. Stowell

Joseph Rawley Stowell, 99, of Peoria, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, on Valentine's Day, and was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife Marilyn.

Joe was born in Lacon, Illinois, on Christmas Eve, 1926, the son of Hugh and Inez Stowell. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Marilyn, who passed away on November 5, 2019; his son Joseph Rawley Stowell II, his grandson Joseph Rawley Stowell III; and his brother, Jim Stowell.

Surviving are his sons, Jerry (and Gail) Stowell of Sarasota, Florida, Jim Stowell of Peoria, and Jon (and Susan) Stowell of Port Charlotte Florida. Grandchildren Jaima Galfi of Bloomington, Illinois, Jessica (and Jason) Henricks of Woodbury, Minnesota, Ali (and Caleb) Booth of Panama City; Florida, Kristin (and Kris) Zainer of Janesville, Wisconsin, Dana Stowell of Tampa, Florida, Sean Stowell and Autumn Stowell of Pekin, Illinois; Great-grandchildren, Riley and Reeve Galfi, Harper and Stellan Henricks, Willow Nash, Kenzo Womack, and River Rawley Stowell also survive. Lastly, Joe leaves the best lap dog ever, Roscoe.

Joe learned many life lessons starting at an early age from his grandmother who worked at the local wool mill, and his mother Inez, who worked for thirty years at Szold's in downtown Peoria. Both were humble, honest, spirited, dedicated, hard-working women who instilled these traditional values in Joe that he would carry throughout his life. He attended Columbia Junior High where he participated in every sport that was offered, including boxing under the tutelage of Tony Van Dyke. Tony was very passionate about his kids and set the tone with discipline, leadership, and values. From junior high, Joe's education continued to Peoria Central High School where he played baseball, basketball, and football. Admittingly, he lacked the bulk to be a factor on the gridiron. Upon graduation from High School, like many proud Americans, Joe enlisted at 17 in one of the Armed Forces, the United States Navy. He attended Radio School at the University of Wisconsin and served as a radioman from 1944- 1946 aboard the USS Eldorado, an amphibious force command ship, and the USS LST 275 in the South Pacific. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, and the Victory Medal. He stood tall with his fellow Navy Servicemen in Tokyo Bay on VJ Day, signaling the end of World War II.

After Military service, Joe began his long relationship with Bradley University. He was just in time for some of the most glorious years in Bradley and Peoria's sports history. During Joe's four seasons as a varsity player, the Bradley basketball team won 112 games and lost only 23. His role was chiefly that of a reserve who made important contributions to a team that produced two All Americans, Squeaky Melchiorre and Paul Unruh. He played under both Robbie Robertson and Forddy Anderson. The celebrated 1949-50 team finished second in both the NCAA and NIT Championships, finishing with a record of 32-5. Following graduation, Joe stayed at Bradley and earned his master's degree. It was during this time that he organized a barnstorming team of Bradley All-Stars who played 29 games in 28 days and beat a Big Ten All-Star team twice in three games.

Joe met the love of his life, Marilyn Keys, at Kern's Diner on Main Street in Peoria. They married on August 10, 1951. This proved to be the best day of his life as Marilyn spoiled him rotten every single day of the 68 years that they were married. A fortunate man. Joe and Marilyn moved to Armington, Illinois, where Joe taught and coached the junior high lightweight and heavyweight basketball teams as well as the high school team. He enjoyed his four years there, and it was the beginning of his lifetime commitment to coaching. Firm but fair, dedicated, and with an intense competitive attitude that was contagious, Coach was an educator, a teacher, and a mentor. He dedicated his life to these passions.

Joe touched countless lives over his 99 years and especially enjoyed hearing from his former players and associates. His next opportunity came at his alma mater, Peoria High, where he was able to work with legendary and influential coaches Dawdy Hawkins, Harry Whitaker, and Tony Juska. Joe has had one of the most enduring and multifaceted careers in college basketball, spanning over 70 years with Bradley University alone. From player to coach, broadcaster, and international ambassador, he left an indelible mark on the sport.

In 1955, Joe was hired by Bradley as an assistant to new Head Coach Chuck Osborn. One of his main responsibilities over the years ahead was to coach the freshman team. His record with the freshmen was 115 wins and 20 losses. During that time, three of his squads were undefeated. Coach Stowell was also instrumental in recruiting some of the first African American student athletes to the hilltop. He helped pioneer the effort of inclusion through academics and athletics. He walked out of hotels or restaurants if all of his team would not be served. In 1965, Joe was given the head coaching role, and he held it for 13 years where his record was 197 wins and 147 losses.

The Missouri Valley Conference had quite a different flavor then, with Louisville, New Mexico State, Memphis State, Cincinnati, Tulsa, and Wichita State presenting challenges. In 1966, the Braves defeated both Tennessee and Utah at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans behind local stars Al Smith and Bob Swigris. A highlight of the 1974 season, when the Braves finished with a record of 20-8, was a victory over the University of Illinois in Chicago, 105-88. Bradley also participated in the NCAA National Commissioners Invitational Tournament in St. Louis where they defeated Kansas State before losing to USC. Joe coached the Missouri Valley All Star Team in 1975 on a tour of Brazil. Also, during this time, Coach Stowell was involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. From Colorado to Carolina, Joe gave motivational speeches and put on basketball clinics to the youth of America. He also presented a traditional basketball training camp in Peoria for local youths aged 8-16 for many years. ria for local youths aged 8-16 for many years.

Coach Stowell was given the opportunity to coach the Bradley Women's Basketball team for two years where he continued to promote the fundamentals of basketball and teamwork. His 1981-82 team led the nation's women's teams averaging 88 per game. After relinquishing the coaching reins, Joe continued in various roles at Bradley until retirement from the university in 1988. His overall record of 491-240 supports his reputation as one of the most respected floor coaches in the nation. He dedicated his life to the Red and White on The Hilltop. In 1985, Coach joined the longtime "Voice of the Braves" Dave Snell on WMBD 1470 as a color commentator for Bradley's men's basketball games and enjoyed this role for many years. Bradley University created the Joe Stowell Award in 2007 to honor one male and one female athlete annually who demonstrate Joe's love of competition and Braves athletics. The Missouri Valley Conference awarded Joe the Paul Morrison Award for his 70+ years of dedication to Bradley University in 2019.

Coach Stowell shared his intense passion for the game of basketball throughout the world. Lee Frederick of American International Sports Tours, who was a former BU player, was instrumental in coordinating tours and clinics to multiple foreign countries on five continents. A partial list includes China, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Antigua, Columbia, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, and Egypt. Incredible. Joe was also an assistant coach for the 1984 Egyptian Olympic Basketball Team. Certainly, there is a ballplayer somewhere, guarding the baseline and taking a charge. Over the years, Joe had been an honorary Chairman of the Walk for Mankind, a committee member for the Children's Miracle Network at OSF, an executive member of the Boy Scouts of America, a member of the Independent Sports Club, as well as a member of the AMVETS, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He had been a member of the Rules Committee for the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the chairman of the Bradley University Hall of Fame Committee. He is a former recipient of the Tri-County Sportsman of the year, Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year, District 5 Coach of the Year. Coach Stowell was a member of the Illinois High School Basketball Association as both a player and coach, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame as a player and coach, a member of the Bradley Hall of Fame as both a player and coach, and the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame. Joe received the Orville Nothdurft Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented annually to a former Bradley Student-athlete who has achieved success in their chosen profession and has continued to bring honor to oneself, Bradley Athletics, and the University as a whole. He received the Buzzy O'Connor Award from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association which recognizes individuals for lifetime service, dedication, and significant contributions to basketball within the state. Most recently, Dr. Chris Reynolds, the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, presented Coach with "The Great Teammate Award" for demonstrating loyalty and commitment to the Bradley Braves athletics department for an extended period. These are just some of the countless accolades that Joe has earned through his dedication and effort.

Coach enjoyed fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill, and unsuspecting catfish. He liked the occasional card game. Joe loved Chicago Cubs baseball. He (thought he) could fix anything with white athletic tape - sprained ankles, vehicle side-view mirrors and license plate holders, antique hall trees, etc. At times, he was an outstanding bowler and a great shot hunting upland game. He had a vegetable garden for many years and grew kohlrabi before it was cool. Joe was known to say, "You're either early or you're late" (And don't be late!), "You're either sick or you're well" (And if you're sick, go home!), and "By Golly!" He did not smoke or drink and played racquetball as well as anybody until he was into his 80's. This healthy profile, and apparently cheeseburgers with bacon PLAIN and a daily dose of some type of chocolate, contributed to his long life. He tried hard and meant well. Joe said a prayer every night: Thankful to God and blessing his grandmother, his mother, his wife, and his family.

He learned a prayer at his Sunday School in Lacon at the age of 6 and said it every night. "Help me dear god, to live the way you want me to live, show me how to please you best, when at work or play or rest. May I often think of you and never say what isn't true. And never do what isn't right. I think that's all, dear God good night. "The Souls of the just are in the hand of God; they are in peace." (Wis. 3).

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Wright and Salmon Mortuary is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joe and Marilyn Stowell Athletic Scholarship Fund at Bradley University, 1501 Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois. The support that the Stowell Scholarship provides is crucial to the mission of academic and athletic excellence, helping to prepare the recipients to thrive throughout their lives.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.wrightandsalmon.com to leave condolences and memories.