In the early morning hours of May 2, 2025, Wilbur G. Gowin, 93, went to be with his Lord and Saviour. His last night was spent surrounded by his wife of nearly 71 years and their three children, serenading him as his favorite Gospel hymns could be heard in the background.
He was born on the family farm near Kane on August 21, 1931, and was the son of Leslie and Freda (Baum) Gowin.
Wilbur was a United States Army veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean War. He spent the majority of his working years cultivating farm land in Kane, where and Meda raised their three children and would lead them through the church doors of the Kane Baptist Church on Sunday mornings. They harvested crops, raised dairy cows, horses, chickens and pigs throughout the years. During the last few years of his time farming, he began driving trucks for the Illinois Department of Transportation and continued doing so after moving into Jerseyville, eventually retiring from the workforce in 1999.
He married the former Meda Crotchett on May 20, 1954, at the Kane Baptist Church, and countless memories have been made camping with family and friends as his love for the outdoors never ceased throughout the years. The trips taken with his children and grandchildren to see his favorite tractor pulls throughout the Midwest are some of the fondest memories of their time together.
Wilbur was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois basketball fan. Above all, he sought and cherished time with his family, and the example of love he displayed daily for his wife and family has left an everlasting impact on all of us.
Wilbur is survived by his wife, Meda Gowin of Jerseyville; his three children and their spouses, Mike and Debora Gowin of Grafton, Patti and Chris Sackmann of Delhi, and Larry and Carolyn Gowin of Jerseyville; two brothers and sisters in law, Robert and Ann Gowin and Ronald and Pam Gowin, all of Jerseyville; a sister, Joyce Tappy of Glen Carbon.
His legacy continues further through his eight grandchildren and their spouses, Christopher and Jamie Gowin of New Hampshire, Jeremy and Cristy Gowin of Arizona, Rachel and Alex Motsinger of Brighton, Stephanie Gresham of Godfrey, Patrick and Kayci Sackmann of Elsah, Caleb Sackmann of Delhi, Michelle and Brad Garrison of Medora, and Carrie and Chad Ruyle of Jerseyville; along with 22 Great Grandchildren and five Great Great Grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Fritz; three brothers, Raymond Gowin, Norman Gowin, Donald Gowin, and an infant brother, Arnold Gowin.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Kane Baptist Church. Frank DeWitt will officiate.
Burial will be in the Kane Cemetery with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.
Memorials may be given to the Kane Baptist Church.
Memories may be shared at www.crawfordfunerals.com.
