Bobbie G. Dowell

Bobbie G. Dowell, age 84, of Athens, passed away January 31, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.               

Bobbie was born on September 26, 1935 in Greenview, IL the son of Rube and Hazel Pierce – Dowell.               

Bobbie married Betty Nance on May 4, 1957 at Athens Christian Church, Athens, IL by Reverend Short.

He is survived by his wife Betty (Nance) Dowell of Springfield, IL; two daughters, Connie (Keith) Pillsbury of Petersburg, IL, Beth (Ken Corkill) Tisdale of Chatham, IL; one son, Bobbie (Lisa) Dowell of Athens, IL; four granddaughters, Logan Dowell of Indianapolis, IN, Kaleigh Pillsbury of Petersburg, IL, Carson Dowell of Athens, IL and Alexa Tisdale of Chatham, IL; his devoted dog, Peanut; three siblings, James “J.E.” (Joyce) Dowell of Colorado Springs, CO, Marcella Edwards of Riverton, IL and Robbie Dowell; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bobbie is preceded in death by his parents, twin brother, Moulton Dean Dowell, two sisters, JoAnn Plummer and Lillian Kirby, and infant brother Raymond.

Bob was a graduate of Greenview, IL. He worked for Allis Chalmers/Fiat Allis for 28 years, and he later retired from Vickers, Inc. He was a member of Athens Christian Church. Bob was an avid LA Dodgers fan, following them since he was 8 years old. He was especially thrilled when they won their 6 World Series Titles and loved to share the joy with the Northend Neighborhood boys. Bob, in his mind, had the best garden in the Northend. Bob and Betty loved to put together jigsaw puzzles, often framing them to give to family and friends. In his younger years, he was an excellent basketball and baseball player and bowler, earning many trophies. He loved to fish, collect antiques, toy tractors, eagle statues, old coins and currency. Bob loved making, collecting, and working on old clocks and watches. He would not hesitate to tell you the time shown on his treasured LA Dodgers watch. In his most recent years, Bob was quite the coloring book artist, spending many hours a day creating pictures to share with his family, friends, and caretakers. He did not let Parkinson’s steal that joy from him. Many will remember that Bob was the life of the party, especially if Moulton was there because what one of them didn’t think of, the other one did. He was also known for his teasing manner, sense of humor, bright smile and his captivating blue eyes. Life will not be the same without him, especially for his beloved wife Betty, his dedicated dog Peanut, his family, and friends.  

Visitation will be held on Tuesday February 4, 2020 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM until time of funeral services at 10:30 AM at Athens Christian Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to “Athens Fire Department”, “Menard County EMS”, or the “Athens Christian Church”.

Rev. Shane Baker will be officiating.

Burial at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens, IL.