John is survived by the love of his life, Stephanie D. Bowhay; two sons, Brayden L. Stevens and Karsyn L. Tomlinson; one sister-in-law, Lindsey (Ron) Gill of Franklin, IL; three sisters, Victoria Gibbons of Abingdon, IL, Jennifer (Mark) Everhardt of Seymour, TN, and Samantha Klavinger (Chris) of Congers, GA; one brother, Gary Klavinger of Perrysburg, OH; two aunts, Sharon (Andy) Mapes and Terri (Jeff) Stuart; one nephew, Ivar West; and two nieces, Faith and Emma Greathouse along with several others.
John was preceded in death by one daughter, Kinsley M. Tomlinson; his grandparents, Barbara E. Tomlinson and Carole M. (Roderick) E. Johnson; and uncles Kevin P. Casteel and Frank C. Schneider.
John graduated from Williamsfield High School. He then served honorably in the active Army with the HHC 14th Engineer Battalion from August 2003 to February 2007 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. During his active time he deployed to Iraq twice. He served as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic after he was released from active duty he joined the Army Reserves and was stationed with the 733rd Maintenance Company out of Canton, IL. He ETS’d in November 2016 after 13 years of service in our nation defense.
He spent time working in maintenance at Gates Rubber Company and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He most recently worked as a Highway Maintainer for the Peoria County Highway Department. He did his due diligence in maintaining the county roads and keeping them safe to travel for the last year and a half.
John was a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 24-1 since 2021 and was most recently the newest committee member for the Red Ride of Central Illinois. John was a simple man. We all knew him for his tall masculine stature that was intimidating to those that didn’t know him. For those that were in his circle, his dedication to them was like no other. He took pride in working hard and providing for his family.
His true love was Stephanie, his boys, his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and the Dallas Cowboys football team.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Elmwood Tap Banquet Hall, 100 South Magnolia Street, Elmwood, IL, 61529.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his family for future expenses, in care of Stephanie Bowhay.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
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