Lester Dean Bowles

Lester Dean Bowles, 74, of Trivoli, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home. He was born on January 14, 1951, in Galesburg, IL, to Walter and Helen (Morse) Bowles. He is survived by his wife Julie Courtney whom he married on June 2, 1990.

He is survived by four children, Heather (Harlan) Cook of Maquon, IL, Robert (Lisa) Bowles of London Mills, IL, Jill (Eric) Boland of Champaign, IL, and Lindsey (Drake) Whitehurst of Elmwood, IL; five grandchildren, Kialee, Brady, Savannah, Trevor, and Abby; two great-grandchildren, Madeline and Atticus; three brothers, William Broadfield, Jim Broadfield, and Leslie (Vicki) Bowles; and two sisters, Linda (Joe) Gorey and Candy (Dave) Lemmons.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Larry Broadfield; one sister-in-law, Pat Broadfield; and one granddaughter, Britini.

Lester worked for 42 years in sheet metal trade, became journeyman, foreman then supervisor. He belonged to Sheet Metal Union Local #1 and retired in 2012. He worked for Natkin Co., Bransfield Inc., and DuMont Co. He worked on several sheet metal jobs in central Illinois including Peoria Civic Center, Downs School, Farmington School and Hickory Grove School.

He attended Northwoods Community Church in Peoria. He belonged to Fin & Feather Sportsman Club and Farmington Moose Lodge. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushrooming, and sports. He enjoyed making people laugh with his stories and sharing memories. He also enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends play their sports, and even dressing up as a mascot or for fun events. He had a strong character that everyone would lean on for advice, opinion or a good laugh.

His priorities in life were his family, children, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his extended family.

Les was baptized when he was little. In the past few years his faith began to grow knowing his family had to lean into God for strength. Before his surgeries he expressed that he knows he was going to Heaven and believes that Christ died for us. This confirmation is important to know because it shows his strength of character.

A private family service will be held. Burial will follow service at Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli, IL. A public celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the Farmington Moose Lodge from 1:00pm – 3:00pm. Please feel free to wear sports or hunting attire in memory of Les. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Les or if donated to the family, donations will be dispersed between various charities. To view Les’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com