Perry V. Mowery

Perry V. Mowery was born on May 30, 1924, in southern Union County, the son of Clyde Dennis and Eulalah Dillow Mowery. 

He died on Nov. 26, 2019, in Metropolis.

He walked through the woods to attend Lingle Grade School, a one-room school. His first grade teacher was Ward Dillow, who was also his freshman advisor at Southern Illinois University. He graduated from Tamms High School and enrolled at SIU.

He left SIU and volunteered for cadet training with the U.S. Army Air Force at age 17 with written consent of his parents, where he served until the end of World War II as a vocational counselor. He also served as counselor at military hospitals. Sharp shooting awards followed his military career. 

His wandering spirit, along with a brand new 1946 red Harley-Davidson motorcycle, led him to employment in Peoria. 

It was there he met Jacqueline Darnell. They were married six weeks later on July 24, 1947. They were blessed to have 72 years together, sharing joys of travel, hobbies and careers.

He last worked in the Peoria area as chief engineer at Standard Brands Fleischmann’s Yeast Division Plant in Pekin. He had previous experience in power plant operation at other locations and was certified by the State of Illinois as chief engineer.

In 1971, they moved to their farm in Union County,  where he actively pursued grain and cattle farming until his retirement in 1989.

His interest in amateur radio began at a very early age. In 1950, he obtained his license and K9DMG has had a memorable and respected signal on all bands. Many friends and unequaled experiences prevail, only understood by those of the same interest.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Dennis Isiah and Delia Williams Mowery; his maternal grandparents, John Henry and Laura Etta Poole Dillow; his brother, Robert Wayne Mowery; and a sister, Lucille Smithey. 

He is survived by his wife; a sister, Jean DeFrates; three nieces, Jane Patterson, Sue Nerganah, Julia Mowery; and one nephew, Mark DeFrates.

Graveside services were at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, at Friendship Cemetery, with Mike Meisenheimer and James Patterson officiating. 

Memorials can be made to the American Legion.

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.