He was born on May 22, 1940 in St. Louis, MO, and adopted by parents Rev. Ray S. and Cheryl (Babcook) Nowlin who preceded him in death.
His favorite childhood memories were of fishing with his grandpa and his dad. He graduated from Clinton High School and went on to attend Greenville College and Western Illinois University. Due to a medical condition he was exempt from serving in the military.
In 1963, he married the love of his life Teresa, who survives. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this July. They had two daughters, Lori (Bill) Canada, and Wendy VonBoeckman both of Manito. Bill’s pride and joy were his 3 grandsons, Bo and Alex Canada, and Brandon VonBoeckman, all of Manito.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law Jacqueline Rebman of Rushville, IL and brother-in-law Tim (Linda) Pazara of Channahon,IL.
Bill first worked as a cottage parent in the boy’s unit of the Illinois Soldiers and Sailors home in Normal, IL. Bill later worked as a part time Deputy and Communication officer in the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department while also starting work with Caterpillar Inc. Bill retired from Caterpillar after 35 years most recently working as an Operations Consultant/ Technical Analyst
in the Equipment and Attachments Division.
Bill’s favorite pastimes were various. He enjoyed fishing at Springlake, listening to music, doing yard work, and spending time with his family. His real passion was being an amateur (ham) radio operator. He developed an interest in amateur radios and received his first amateur radio license at age 16. He was proud of the fact that he was able to make amateur radio contact with every country in the world as per confirmation by the DX Century Club. He also used his radio communication skills to assist with local Emergency Services and Disaster Agencies. He remained an active member in E.S.D.A for 45 years, 5 of those as Director in Tazewell County, during which time he was instrumental in securing the purchase of a mobile Unified Command Post vehicle based in Tazewell county and serving 5 other counties. In cooperation with F.E.M.A. Bill as well as others volunteered to travel to New Orleans for several weeks after Hurricane Katrina to provide the vehicle and their services for communication needs.
Bill died peacefully surrounded by his loving family. As per his request, cremation rites have been accorded and there will be a private family memorial service at a later date.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is in charge of arrangements. His family requests any memorial contributions be made in Bill’s honor to the American Red Cross or charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be left at www.hurleyfh.com
He will be dearly missed by all…
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