DeWITT - Stephen Richard Bowling, 73, of DeWitt, passed away Aug. 15, 2020, at Warner Hospital, Clinton.
Steve was born June 30, 1947, at the John Warner Hospital, Clinton, the son of Elwyn and Nodene Mae Brittin Bowling. Survivors include one son, Jeff Bowling, Clinton; one daughter, Suzanne (Capt. Wesley Bannister, U.S. Navy) Bannister; four grandchildren, Danielle, Camden and Ava Bannister all of London, England, and Tyler Bannister, Bethlehem, Pa.; his sister, Carolynn Gawthorp, Princeville; and his identical twin brother, David (Diane) Bowling, Decatur. Steve was preceded in death by his wife of almost 40 years, Yvonne M. Bowling; his parents, Elwyn and Nodene Bowling; and one sister, Joann Fosnaugh.
Steve was postmaster of Clinton for 30 years (1978-2008) during his 42 ½ years in the Postal Service. He also worked in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C.
Steve was currently a member of the DeWitt Township board. He had also been a member of the Clinton Athletic Booster Club, the Band Boosters, Kiwanis Club, 708 Board in Clinton, and the DeWitt Fair. He was also instrumental in the 911 addressing in DeWitt County. He coached and ran the Clinton YBA league as well as Clinton Church Softball League for eight years in the 1980s.
Steve's favorite hobbies were fishing, hunting and water sports. He was a loyal supporter of Clinton's high school sports programs, University of Illinois athletics as well as the Cubs, Bears and Bulls. He was well-known for his ping-pong skills that later transitioned into pickleball.
Steve will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was known for his sharp wisdom, quick wit, his passion to help others and his infamous wealth of knowledge.
Services are pending.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Camden Bannister
December 14, 2020
I am Camden Bannister, son of Captain Wesley Bannister. Stephen Bowling is my Grandfather. I was Randomly going through the internet in my free time and found this website when I searched up my Grandfathers name. Reading this, and the comments on this, really shows that my Grandpa was a big deal in a small town of Clinton, Illinois. By the time I am writing this it has been months after my Grandpa’s passing. If you are able to contact my Uncle or my mother, and you have not yet, then I would be so thankful if you do, it would help them a lot. Christmas is coming up and this Christmas would be the first Christmas without my Grandpa. Thank you for everything that all of you have done for my family. -CamdenBannister
Dan Knock
November 13, 2020
To Steve's family, I'm so sorry for your loss, Steve was a very special friend and confidant to me during our 25 years together in the Postal Service.
Loretta Power
September 8, 2020
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Bowling family. I am fortunate to have known Steve as a Postmaster and I am grateful for his passion for helping others. I am one of the many people he helped. Steve always had the time to be there for others with his undivided attention. Rest in His peace, Steve.
Patricia Goldsmith
September 8, 2020
Thoughts and prayers are with you Jeff at this difficult time, remembering all times we spent together,
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