MENDOTA – Thomas D. Bowne, 96, of Mendota, peacefully passed away June 19, 2025, at Allure in Mendota.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 25 from 9-11 a.m. at Wasmer Funeral Home. A Masonic Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service at Restland Cemetery will be conducted by Rev. Mary Bohall. Full Military Rites will be provided by Mendota V.F.W. Post #4079. Wasmer Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.

Tom was born in St. Charles to William D and Phyllis E. (Crum) Bowne. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1947, and entered the United States Navy, serving as a decoder in Washington, D.C., from 1948-1950. Tom married his childhood sweetheart, Phyllis M. Parsons in Yuma, Ariz., on Nov. 12,1948.

Tom will be forever missed by his two sons, John (Sheri) Bowne of Mendota and David Bowne of Arizona; daughter-in-law, Sharoldine Bowne of Rockwell, Texas; six grandchildren, Jamie Bowne Gordon of Oglesby, Greg Bowne of Florida, Grant (Emily) Bowne of LaMoille, Sam Bowne of Mendota, Ben ( Valerie) Bowne of Rockwall, Texas and Amy (Cesar) Bowne Santoy of Berwyn; 10 great-grandchildren, Emma (Aaron Bauer) Gordon of Mendota, Gianna Gordon of Mendota, Jaxon Gordon of Oglesby, Dario and Nadia Santoy of Berwyn,  Lauren and Cash Bowne of Rockwall, Texas, Joree Bowne of Mendota and Charlie Kaylynn Bowne of LaMoille; great-great-granddaughter, Maizley Bauer; and his sister, Bonnie Peters of Miami, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis in 2012; son, Steve Bowne in 2008; a brother and a sister.

He was a member of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction Scottish Rite and Mendota Elks Lodge #1212. Tom was a lifetime member and retired from the Midwest Operating Engineers Local #150. Tom was a crane operator. His last job before retirement was “setting the steel” to the I-39 bridge from a barge in the Illinois River. The fact no lives were lost during this dangerous project gave him great pride. Tom also was a health advocate. He ate a clean diet and lifted weights regularly until he was 93. His family was Tom’s biggest accomplishment. He always had a story or joke to make everyone laugh. He taught many lessons to his family with a loving heart, patience, and a matter of fact, positive attitude.

Pallbearers will be Ben Bowne, Cash Bowne, Grant Bowne, Greg Bowne, Sam Bowne, Jaxon Gordon and Dario Santoy.

Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences can be made at wasmerfuneralhome.com.