Anthony “Tony” W. Bowling, 64, of Cameron, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at his home.
Tony was born on November 23, 1960, in Monmouth, IL, the son of Sally K. Ralls and the great-grandson of Elizabeth L. Ralls. He was raised and educated in Monmouth, attending Immaculate Conception School and graduating from Monmouth High School in 1978. He went on to earn a degree from Western Illinois University in 1988 and later obtained his RN from Carl Sandburg College in 1994.
Tony proudly served in the United States Navy from 1978 to 1982 as a Hull Maintenance Technician Petty Officer Second Class aboard the USS Albany (CG Guided Missile Cruiser) and the USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
On August 18, 1990, he married Paula Danforth at the Cameron Christian Church; she survives.
A dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse, Tony spent many years caring for others, most recently at Beu Medical Center at Western Illinois University in Macomb. Outside of work, he found joy in working in his yard—gardening and mowing were favorite pastimes. He was a loyal fan of both the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.
Surviving Tony is his wife, Paula Bowling of Cameron, IL; two daughters, Sheila Bowling of Cameron, IL, Danielle Bowling; two brothers, Russell Bowling, Tim (Cheryl) Schnicker; three sisters, Jennifer (Dean) Modaff, Robin Scanlan, Angela (Paul) Hauck; sister-in-law, Julie Carlson; brother-in-law, David Danforth; his nieces and nephews, Amber Bowling, Ryan (Lisa) Bowling, John (Brittany) Bowling, Jonathan (Abby) Schnicker, Heather (Harry) Hopkinson, Drayson (Kristen) O’Connell, Natasha (Dave) Nelson, Jenna (Michael) Downs, Nikki Gerald, Zach (Bethany) Scanlan, Hollie Scanlan, Taylor (Drew) Lozier, Caleb Carroll, Megan (Alan) Tiedemann, Chad Carlson; two aunts, Sharon (Kevin) Peabody, Patty (Dave) Christianson; and numerous great nieces and nephews also surviving.
He was preceded in death by his mother, and great grandmother; mother-in-law, Sheila Danforth; brother-in-law, Brad Scanlan; nephew, McHale Gerald; and cousin, Sally Christianson.
Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Interment with Military Honors will be at Silent Home Cemetery, Cameron. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials can be made to Monmouth American Legion Post 136 of Western IL Animal Rescue (WIAR) and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
