Robert "Bob" Bowen

Robert “Bob” Bowen, a lifelong educator whose quiet strength and unwavering devotion shaped countless lives, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, Illinois. He was 89 years old. Born on January 21, 1936, in Edwards County, Bob was raised in Palestine, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a heart for helping others. These early years laid the foundation for a life devoted to service.

After graduating from Palestine High School in 1954, Bob earned his Bachelor’s degree from Evansville College in 1958. Teaching was never just a job for Bob—it was his calling, the very heartbeat of his life. From his early years teaching and coaching at Carmi Junior High, Kankakee Senior High, and West Aurora Senior High to his leadership as principal and assistant principal at DeLand-Weldon and Sycamore High Schools, Bob poured himself into nurturing young minds. His greatest chapter came as superintendent of the DeLand-Weldon School District, a role in which he shaped not only classrooms but entire communities.

Even after retiring in 1991, Bob’s love for education never wavered. He continued substitute teaching in Palestine and Robinson schools and tutored through the Twin Rivers Regional Vocational System, always eager to encourage and support students. Beyond education, Bob found another way to open doors—literally—by helping families find homes as a real estate agent with Weber Realty. His heart for growth and care extended far beyond the classroom.

That same spirit of generosity and dedication carried into every part of his community life. He served as president of the Palestine Academic Foundation, believing deeply that education was the key to a brighter future. He also lent his leadership to the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church, served as vice president of the Palestine Lions Club, and offered his steady presence on the Crawford County Board of Health for more than two decades.

Bob was a man who found joy in life’s quiet moments. A voracious reader—especially of history and old war stories—he generously donated many of his books to the Palestine Library. You could often find him there, playing bridge with friends and sharing a laugh or a thoughtful story until COVID paused those simple gatherings. He was a loyal Illini fan, faithfully following Illinois basketball and football, and he found peace and reflection while fishing in Minnesota’s lakes or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature. That same steady, thoughtful nature carried into his faith. A longtime member of Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church, Bob served in various roles and continued to receive communion faithfully until his final days.

Bob’s story is a testament to the power of education—not just in books and lessons, but in the way he lived his life: full of quiet kindness and steadfast devotion. May he rest in peace, knowing he taught us all the most important lesson: that the best education comes from a life well lived. And Bob, you lived it so well.

He leaves behind four stepchildren, Pam Robbins, Peggy Deckard, Penny Deckard, and Gary Ramsey (and their spouses), as well as 11 step-grandchildren and 28 step-great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his spirit, his stories, and the many lessons he taught both by word and example. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Bowen.

A private family graveside service will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palestine Academic Foundation or the Palestine Library. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.