82, of Bushnell
Louie Edmond Cowin, 82, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away with family by his side at 3:48 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.
He was born on October 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Edmond and Marie (Burton) Cowin. Louie’s father, Edmond, died while serving his country during World War II when Louie was still an infant. His mother later married Richard Illman, who lovingly raised and adopted Louie. Louie often said Richard was the best father he could have ever asked for, and he carried a deep love and respect for him throughout his life.
Louie married Jaynes Marie Carey on May 7, 1994, in Macomb, Illinois. She preceded him in death on December 31, 2022.
He is survived by his children, Kim (Rick) Kaelber of Vermont, IL, Kevin (Jane) Cowin of Rushville, and Kent (Barb) Cowin of Astoria; three grandchildren, Macie (David) Lutz, Brodie Cowin, and Marshall (Tiffany) Cowin; step-grandchildren, Shannon (Scott) Adkins and Travis (Lucia) Stambaugh; nine great-grandchildren, Corbin Lutz, Nayvee Cowin, Makenna Abernathy, Emaleigh Abernathy, Collin Adkins, Foxx Adkins, Katelyn Stambaugh, Kiera Stambaugh, and Levi Stambaugh; one great-great-grandchild, Rubie Friday; and his sister, Linda (Rick) Wamsley of Ft. Madison, Iowa. He also leaves behind several extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jaynes; his adoptive father, Richard Illman; one brother, Terry Illman; and one sister, Wanda Kitch.
Louie worked for 34 years at Caterpillar, beginning at the age of 18 as a janitor. Through Caterpillar’s own education and training programs, he worked his way up and became a skilled union pipefitter, a career accomplishment he was very proud of. Following his retirement from Caterpillar, Louie continued working for several local contractors in the Bushnell area before later joining Batson’s Ace Hardware in the heating and cooling division. It was a job he truly enjoyed, not only because of the work itself, but because of the people he worked with and served many of whom were neighbors and lifelong friends.
An avid fisherman, Louie loved spending time on the water and treasured the many memories made fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed shooting pool with friends and was happiest when surrounded by those he cared about most.
Cremation rites were accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. Private graveside services were held at the Bushnell Township Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Bushnell Fire Rescue Squad. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www. martinhollsifh.com
