John C. Bowlby, 77, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at his home.  John was born December 31, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois, Leo and Flo (Gaddis) Bowlby. He married Theresa Blank on April 6, 1968 in Ste. Marie, Illinois, and she survives.

John graduated from East Richland High School in 1966, after which was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country from 1968 to 1970. After his time in Vietnam, he was awarded the Purple Heart due to an injury he sustained during battle. John was very proud of his time in the military, and he was recently awarded a Quilt of Valor.

After he got out of the military, he went to work at Racklin's Paint Store, and later Master Fence. He eventually retired from the Parts Manager position at Hahn's Automotive. John Loved hunting and fishing, and he was very artistic, having painted many paintings throughout his life. John was in a lot of pain for a lot of years, and the thing that kept him going was his painting and spending time with his family.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Theresa, of Olney; son, Tim (Tracy) Bowlby of Winchester, KY; daughter, Tina Bowlby of Olney; grandchildren, Jessica (Tyler) Cottrell of Lexington, KY, Spencer (Gina) Bowlby of Winchester, KY and Eli Singer of Olney; great grandchildren, Monroe and Oliver Cottrell, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held for friends and family from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.  The funeral service will be held for John at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Crest Haven Memorial Park in rural Claremont, with Full Military Rites to be performed at the graveside.

Memorials can be made to Rolling Thunder, Illinois Chapter 3.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL