Robert Gowin
Jerseyville |
Robert “Bob” Gowin, 90, entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home in Jerseyville, surrounded by the enduring love of his family.
He was born on May 26, 1935, in English Township, Jersey County, Illinois, one of eight children born to the late Leslie Newton and Freda Rachel (Baum) Gowin. Raised on the Frank Fulkerson Farm just outside of Kane, Bob’s early years were shaped by hard work, deep roots, and the bond of a large family. He graduated with the Class of 1953 from Jersey Community High School, laying the foundation for a life defined by grit, grace, and unwavering dedication.
On June 15, 1957, Bob married the love of his life, Rene Ann Sisco, in Medora. Together, they built a marriage that spanned nearly 68 years - a partnership rooted in faith, fortified by love, and admired by all who knew them. Their marriage was blessed with four children, and through the years, their family blossomed to include nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Bob and Ann often said their life was truly blessed, but to their family, they were the blessing. Their love for one another became a shining example of what it means to be steady, selfless, and strong.
Bob’s working years were as full and varied as the life he lived. He started out as an over-the-road truck driver before eventually launching his own business, Bob Gowin Repair, where he worked side by side with family. Known for his skill and honesty, Bob could repair just about anything, as most farmers and truckers in Jersey County would proudly attest. He closed out his career as a trusted mechanic with the State of Illinois, retiring in 2005 at the age of 70.
Whether he was out in a field hunting rabbit or pheasant, casting a line on a peaceful afternoon, or cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals, Bob found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was a longtime and faithful member of the Kane Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and friend to many.
But more than anything, Bob loved his family. His greatest joy came from the life he and Ann created, and the generations that followed. His family was his greatest pride, and his legacy lives on in the countless lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
Surviving are his devoted wife, Ann Gowin of Jerseyville; his four children and their spouses: Robert Alan and Reba Gowin of Jerseyville, Kelly Rene and Tom Retzer of Jerseyville, Gayle Leann and David Prough of Jerseyville and Ronald Eric and Joan Gowin of Maryville; his nine grandchildren: Tracy (Ben) Gilmore; Tabitha (Don) Bortz; Jonathan (Alison) Gowin; Jared Prough; Sarah Wilson, along with her former husband, Kevin, who continued to be embraced as family; Jillann (Brandon) Beasley; Drew (Kellie) Retzer; Katie Gowin and Ethan (Ellen) Gowin; his 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Tappy of Glen Carbon; a brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Pam Gowin of Jerseyville; and two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law: Meda Gowin of Jerseyville and Viola and Raymond Cray of Garfield, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mildred Fritz; five brothers, Arnold Gowin, in infancy, Raymond Gowin, Norman Gowin, Donald Gowin and Wilbur Gowin; and his beloved in-laws, Ted and Irene Sisco.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11 a.m., Monday, June 9, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to the Ronald McDonald House or to the Tunnel to Towers, two causes that reflect the heart of a man who believed in helping others.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Bob’s wonderful caregivers: Gina, Brenda and Tiffany, for their compassion, attentiveness, and the dignity they helped provide in his final days.
To know Bob was to know a life well-lived. He led with humility, worked with integrity, and loved without condition. His was the kind of presence that made people feel safe, steady, and seen. And though the tools are now laid down and the workbench quiet, the life he built, and the love he gave, will carry on for generations to come.
"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Matthew 25:23
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
