Freddie Joe Cowling, 72, of Delavan, IL passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Hopedale Nursing Home in Hopedale, IL.
He was born on February 25, 1953, in Peoria, IL to Fred W. and Joanne Jackson Cowling.
Freddie married Lois Jean Thornton Wittmer on September 18, 1999 in Peoria, IL; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Freddie Joe Cowling Jr. of Glasgow, KY, Christie (Raudel) Martinez of Bowling Green, KY, Frederick Cowling of Texas, JJ Cowling of Texas, Rodney “RJ” Cowling of Pekin, IL, Samantha (TJ) Hays of Pekin, IL, Alena Dolen of Pekin, IL, Elizabeth Anderson of Urbana, IL, Julie Wittmer of Ashville, NC, Valerie Mock of West Palm Beach, FL, Alexandra (Isaiah) Montelongo of Grandview, WA; fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces from 1972 - 1981. Freddie worked for Caterpillar, retiring May 1, 2000. He also worked as a nurse.
Freddie was a member of American Legion Post 382 in Delavan, IL, Delavan Masonic Lodge 156 and Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite.
Cremation has been accorded and services will be held at a later date.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
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