John C. Bodenhamer, 81, of Abingdon, Illinois, died on January 22, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria, Illinois, from complications following a freak accident.
Born February 27, 1943, in Galesburg to Arthur W. and Ruth J. (White) Bodenhamer. John attended Abingdon schools before beginning his adult life working in a multitude of service careers. John worked for Farrell’s Ambulance Service, the first ambulance service in Galesburg. He also worked as a milkman, spent many years at Butler before transitioning back into public service as a police officer for Avon and East Galesburg as well as a deputy for the Knox County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement.
John was a devout Christian and shared his love for God as the Chaplain at the Knox County Jail where he was able to make a difference in so many lives.
John was the proud father of six children, Elizabeth Bodenhamer, Amy Bodenhamer, Rosie (Rob) Black, Tammy (Scott) Lynch, Patty Jo Bailey, and David Bodenhamer. He has many grandchildren and great grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his son, David Bodenhamer; his parents; a sister Janice Ray; and a brother, Jim Bodenhamer.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the funeral home. Pastor Jon Prain will officiate. Burial will be at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon, Illinois. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the Abingdon American Legion following burial. Memorial contributions may be made to Spoon River Valley FOP-KCSD or to Teen Challenge Peoria. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.