METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Perry V. Mowery was born May 30, 1924, in southern Union County, Illinois, to Clyde Dennis and Eulalah Dillow Mowery. He died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019, in Metropolis.
He walked through the woods to attend Lingle Grade School, a one-room school. His first grade teacher was Ward Dillow, who was also his freshman advisor at Southern Illinois University. He graduated from Tamms (Illinois) High School and enrolled at SIU.
He left SIU and volunteered for cadet training with the U.S. Army Air Force at age 17 with written consent of his parents. He served until the end of World War II as a vocational counselor. He also served as counselor at military hospitals. Sharp shooting awards followed his military career.
Perry's wandering spirit, along with a brand new 1946 red Harley-Davidson motorcycle, led him to employment in Peoria, Illinois. It was there he met Jacqueline Darnell. They were married six weeks later July 24, 1947. They were blessed to have 72 years together, sharing the joys of travel, hobbies and careers.
He last worked in the Peoria area as chief engineer at Standard Brands Fleischmann's Yeast Division Plant in Pekin, Illinois. He had previous experience in power plant operations at other locations and was certified by the state of Illinois as chief engineer.
In 1971, they moved to their farm in Union County. He actively pursued grain and cattle farming until his retirement in 1989.
His interest in amateur radio began at a very early age. In 1950, he obtained his license, and K9DMG had a memorable and respected signal on all bands. Many friends and unequaled experiences prevail, only understood by those of the same interest.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Dennis Isiah and Delia Williams Mowery; his maternal grandparents, John Henry and Laura Etta Poole Dillow; his brother, Robert Wayne Mowery; and sister, Lucille Smithey.
He is survived by his wife; sister, Jean DeFrates; nieces, Jane Patterson, Sue Nerganah and Julia Mowery; and nephew, Mark DeFrates.
Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Friendship Cemetery, with Mike Meisenheimer and James Patterson officiating. Everyone is asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.
Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.
To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
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