Phillip J. Bowling

Phillip Joe Bowling, of Troy, Illinois, passed away on October 25, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on July 8, 1950, in McLeansboro, Illinois, Phil was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and, to those who knew him best, a pretty special guy.

Phil shared his life with his wife and best friend, Cindy (Phillips) Bowling. Fifty four years of marriage is a lifetime of memories, laughter, challenges and choosing each other over and over again. Their love was a big part of who he was, and the life they built together will always be a part of his legacy.

Phil took pride in providing for his family. He spent more than 40 years in the trucking industry, working as a dispatcher and later as a transportation supervisor. He was dedicated to his work, but his family was always at the center of his life.

When he wasn’t working, Phil enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing poker. He made memories with the people he loved, and his family will always hold close the little things that made him who he was.

Phil leaves behind his beloved wife, Cindy; his daughter, Kelly Murray and her husband, Craig; his son, Tim Bowling, and his wife, InaMarie (Simms) Bowling.

He was a proud grandpa to Alexandra “Punkin” (Samantha) Murray, Savanna “Savvy-Girl” (Blake) Takmajian, Luke “Luker-Duke” Bowling, and Scott “Terrorizer” Murray. His family grew even sweeter with the arrival of his great-grandchildren, Lorelai, Foster, and Sullivan Murray and Beau Takmajian.

At Phil’s request, he will be cremated, and there will be no public services. He will be deeply missed.

If you knew Phil, you can probably hear him saying it one more time…

“DAT'S RIGHT!!”