JD Vowels

James Douglas “J.D.” Vowels, age 81, of Henderson, KY, passed away at 9:03am, Friday, April 1, 2016, at Methodist Hospital. J.D. was born in 1934 to parents George Douglas and Mary Helen Vowels in Waverly, Kentucky. As a boy, he attended St. Peters Grade School in Waverly, KY, followed by high school at St. Vincent Academy, near Waverly, KY. Throughout his schooling, he worked alongside his father and his brother, Robert A., on the family farm. After he graduated high school, J.D. enlisted in the United States Air Force. He did his basic training at Samson Air Force Base in Geneva, NY, and then went to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas for jet engine school. When his service was complete, at Chennault AFB, Lake Charles, LA. J.D. came home to Morganfield and worked at St. Vincent Academy on a farm the school owned. It was here where he met his first wife, Judith E. Humm. Together they had 5 sons. The family moved to Joliet, IL where he worked as a machinist at Caterpillar, Inc. for 28 years, after which he retired and moved to Henderson. It was in Henderson where J.D. met his second wife, Paulette. He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. After retirement, J.D. still found time for farm work, and he also drove a school bus. He loved making long trips. His family jokes that his favorite book was the Road Atlas and that, before google, friends and family would call on J.D. for directions. In addition to his parents, J.D. was preceded in death by his brother, Don Vowels, and his sister, Helen Jane Parker Hurt. Survivors include: Wife of 25 years: Paulette Vowels of Henderson, KY 5 Sons: James E. Vowels and wife Sue of Plainfield, IL Tony D. Vowels of Silverton, CO Donald T. Vowels of St. Peters, MO Carl R. Vowels and wife Michelle of Oconomowoc, WI John B. Vowels and wife Kris of Rockville, MD 2 Step Sons: Keith Sizemore and wife Marla of Henderson, KY Cliff Sizemore and wife Tracy of Henderson, KY Step Daughter: Krista Sizemore of Henderson, KY 5 Brothers: Robert A. Vowels Marty Vowels and wife Judy David Vowels Billy Joe Vowels and Nancy Hamilton Birdie Vowels and wife Judy 1 Sister: Mary Anne Williams and husband Norman 14 Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild, Many Nieces and Nephews Relatives and friends are invited to J.D.’s Life Celebration from 2:00-8:00pm Wednesday and then again Thursday at 10:00 am at Benton-Glunt Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Larry McBride at 12:00pm on Thursday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Henderson. Military honors will be rendered by the American Legion Worsham Post #40. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday evening at 6:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to American Diabetes Association, http://www.diabetes.org, and Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentonglunt.com

JD Vowels

December 18, 1934 - April 1, 2016