Bill J. Gowdy

Funeral Services for Bill J. Gowdy, 74 of Aledo, will be held on Thursday at 2:00 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Fellowship will immediately follow services at Grace Evangelical Free Church, Aledo. Following fellowship, visitation will be held at Speer Funeral Home from 5 to 8 PM, Thursday evening. Private burial will be in Aledo Cemetery. Due to severe allergies, the family requests no flowers or plants. Memorials may be made to the Grace Evangelical Free Church or his grandchildren’s chosen mission. Bill died on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Mercer County Hospital. Bill was born on December 27, 1933 in rural Joy to Joseph S. and Cora B.(Field)Gowdy. He was united in marriage to Leitha Moran on March 7, 1954 in Joy, Illinois. Bill served in the Army and then farmed near Burgess for 45 years. He was a member of the Grace Evangelical Free Church. He also was a member of the Burgess Fire Department for over 50 years, serving many years as chief. Bill also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sports and musical activities. Bill is survivied by his wife of 54 years, Leitha; his son, Doug of Aledo; daughters, Denise (Michael) Clark of Aledo and Ann (Tom) Troop of Lewistown, Montana; Grandchildren: Karyn (Corey) Smith, Elizabeth (Christopher) Whitenack, Dawn (Josh) Bull, Sarah, Jordan, Rebekah & Jeremiah Clark and Benjamin,and Rachael Troop; 4 great-grandchildren and a sister, Laura Gowdy of Normal. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert.