In loving memory of

Franklin "Tip" E. Bowers
August 13, 1926 - November 16, 2020

Franklin "Tip" E. Bowers, 94, of Yates City, IL, passed away at 1:02 p.m., on Monday, November 16, 2020, at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born August 13, 1926, to Harry and Bernice (Dikeman) Bowers, in Yates City. He married Jean Mathews on December 10, 1949, in Yates City. She preceded him in death on May 2, 2018. He is survived by one son, James (Melodee) Bowers of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Richard (Darline) Bowers; one sister, Sue (the late Tom) Ramp; two grandchildren, Kevin (Lyndi) Bowers and Megan (Rob) Butterfield; and eight great-grandchildren, Olivia Bowers, Noah Bowers, Ethan Butterfield, Zoe Butterfield, Jude Bowers, Henry Bowers, Simone Bowers, and Keaton Bandur. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Jerald Bowers. Tip farmed until 1972 when he started working for Westbay Equipment Co. He retired from there after 25 years of service. He served in the Army during WWII. He was also a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau, Farmington Moose, and the Farmington American Legion. Tip was a mountain of a man with a generous heart. He was ornery, kind, loving, and the glue of this family. Tip enjoyed long rides through the countryside and would reminiscence about who once lived there and a story would follow. His family was his first priority and he always made a point to attend as many events as possible. Tip was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and most of all a friend to everyone. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 3:00 p.m., on Friday, August 13, 2021, at Yates City Community Center. Memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance and Elba-Salem Fire Department. To leave online condolences or view Tip's memorial service, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Betty Curry wrote on Aug 25, 2021:

"So Sorry For your Loss. I know Tom and Sue Ramp, I used to be a neighbor of theirs. My Prayers and thoughts are with you, Betty Curry"

Patsy McCleary wrote on Nov 27, 2020:

"This candle is for youand your family and all the great memories that you and my dad Bill Hitchcock had growing up and being cousins. We will miss you Tip. Thank You Patsy Hitchcock Mccleary"

Ted Richardson wrote on Nov 19, 2020:

"Tip was a wonderful person to have known. I thought of Tip and Jean as my second parents when I was young when my Mother was ill. I will never forget how kind they were to me. I had many great times with Tip, Jean and Jim. I could write a book on Tip stories and adventures with the Jeep.. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Ken Howard wrote on Nov 19, 2020:

"I only knew Tip from coming into Toots Treats. He was always very polite and if I recall correctly said thank you. He will be missed Ken Howard"

BernardLinda Maxwell wrote on Nov 19, 2020:

"Thoughts & prayers to the family! Bernard & Linda Maxwell"

Janet Edmonds wrote on Nov 19, 2020:

"My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family, May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life blessed and well lived. Psalms 90:10"