John William "Jack" Sowman

Herrin- John William Jack Sowman, 70, of Herrin, passed away at 7:29 PM, Saturday, April 11, 2009 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Jack was born on June 14, 1938 in Herrin to Carl W. & Wilma Ruth (Bird) Sowman. He married Sally JoAnne Crouch on March 11, 1966 at the Herrin First United Methodist Church. Together they shared forty three wonderful years together. Jack was a US Army veteran and served in the 82nd Airborne Division during peacetime. Once honorably discharged he went to work in the coal mines as a mining examiner for Consol coal in Rend Lake. He retired in 2000. Mr. Sowman enjoyed dancing with his wife JoAnne, swimming with the grandkids and fishing at Crab Orchard Lake. They enjoyed traveling to Canada, Las Vegas or to their condos in Gatlinburg or Florida. He most enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include- Wife- JoAnne Sowman of Herrin Daughter- Valerie Blake of Herrin Son- Carl W. Sowman and Fianc Loretta Donaldson of Edmonton, AL, Canada Grandchildren: Jordon Nicole Blake of Herrin Jaylen Madison Blake of Herrin Niece- Julie Roland & husband Mike of Dallas, TX Three Great Nephews Cousin- John Charles Sowman of Houston, TX Aunt- Pat Sowman of Herrin Aunt- Patricia Sowman of Herrin Several cousins Close friends- Reba & Carl Harrison of Herrin Beloved dog- Bailey He was preceded in death by his parents, brother- Charles Sowman, and uncles- Charles Sowman, Eddie Sowman & Press Sowman. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Ralph Brandon will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-9:00 PM, Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. Watch the Video Tribute ---