John "Buddy" Gilbert Bowyer

February 20, 1949 ~ September 20, 2010
John Gilbert "Buddy" Bowyer of Bradford passed away on September 20th, 2010 at OSF in Peoria, IL. He was born on February 20th, 1940 in Peoria, IL to Marjorie Black Bowyer and Gilbert "Bud" Bowyer. John was a graduate of Bradford High School and Midstate College. He retired from Caterpillar in 1998 after 33 years, last working as Senior Field Services Coordinator in the Truck Engine Call Center. He was an avid auto enthusiast, successfully drag racing his favorite Fords in his earlier years. Later he turned to re-engineering and rebuilding various vintage vehicles. He took great pride in restoring classic Mustangs to pristine condition and was noted for doing so. John was an accomplished high school athlete winning 8 varsity letters in track, basketball, and football. He was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Bears and enjoyed the after-game discussions with his children. John was a life-long active member of the Leet Methodist Memorial Church. After he retired, he moved back to the family farm near Bradford to care for his mother and be around the rural area that he loved and knew so well as a youth. John had a tremendous sense of humor, bringing smiles and cheer to his friends and family. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. John is survived by his sister, Nancy (Bob) Ewing of Bradford, son Greg (Sandra) of Culver City, California, daughter Traci Salasky (Tom) of Arvada, Colorado and 2 grandchildren, Rachel and Sam Salasky. Visitation 11:30-1:30 p.m. at Leet Methodist Memorial Church in Bradford Thursday, September 23rd. Funeral services will follow at 1:30 pm. Burial will be at Bradford City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Leet Methodist Memorial Church.
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