Thomas "Tom" Wayne Bowles

Thomas "Tom" Wayne Bowles obituary, Chester, IL

Thomas "Tom" Wayne Bowles

Upcoming Events

Aug

25

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Aug

26

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Aug

26

Funeral service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.

Thomas "Tom" Bowles Obituary

Visit the Pechacek Funeral Homes - Chester website to view the full obituary.

THOMAS WAYNE “TOM” BOWLES, 74, of Perryville, Missouri, formerly of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 5:52 pm, Thursday, August 21, 2025 surrounded by his entire family at his home.

He was born to the late Warren G. and Anna (nee McCreary) Bowles, Sr. on January 17, 1951 in Shawneetown, Illinois.

Tom married Christine Heires on September 17, 1977 in Chester, Illinois; she survives.

He was a Correctional Lieutenant at Menard Correctional Center for 32 years.

Tom was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Perryville, Missouri. He enjoyed building furniture, woodworking and watching sports.

Survivors:

   Wife: 

        Christine Bowles Perryville, MO

   3 Daughters: 

        Amy (Scott) Wunderlich Chester, IL

        April (Jordan) Gremmels Chester, IL

        Adrienne Baker Chester, IL

   2 Siblings: 

        Warren Bowles, Jr. Chester, IL

        Nancy Bowles Perryville, MO

   7 Grandchildren: 

        Brenna Astin, Bralynn Astin, Aubry Bowles, Adaya Wunderlich, Amara Wunderlich, Justice Baker and Uriah Gremmels

   Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by: Parents and 1 Brother – Dennis Bowles

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Tuesday, August 26, 2025

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Dr. Mike Friesz

Interment: 

   St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Monday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

   Tuesday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   Calvary Baptist Church

   326 N Walnut St.

   Perryville, MO 63775

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Pechacek Funeral Homes - Chester

839 Lehmen Dr, Chester, IL 62233

How to support Thomas "Tom"'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas "Tom" Bowles's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Aug

25

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Aug

26

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Aug

26

Funeral service

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.