Troy was the life of any party he attended and knew no strangers. He touched many lives in his 58 years. Troy had a heart of gold and always went out of his way to help others. Troy peacefully transitioned on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He was born on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1966, the son of Emma Fortune and Moses Bowen of Quincy, Illinois.

Troy graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1984 where he played football and was a member of the JHS choir. The choir played an integral part in Troy's love of music resulting in his preference for Country music and singing Karaoke.

In his early years following high school, Troy worked at Barton Stone Christian Home, the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired and most recently he cared for Mr. Eugene "Geno" Williams and Mr. & Mrs. Ron Hainds. His unconditional love and tender care he provided to his clients made him the perfect caregiver. He knew he was making a difference.

Troy was an avid bowler and was known to many as "Thunder". As a professional level bowler, he participated in numerous tournaments. His achievements are the envy of all who knew him. His resume includes more than 20 perfect games of 300, (13) 800 series' and 13 times he threw 11 strikes in a row. Eclipsing his passion for bowling, Troy loved the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles and was a member of the AMVETS, Elks Lodge, American Legion and Moose Lodge.

Of all his accomplishments, Troy would tell you his most cherished were his kids and grandkids. Affectionately known as "Papa", he leaves behind sons Murry (Lindsey), Tyree (Amanda), Troy Jr. and daughter Tabatha (Blake). His grandkids, Murry, Doshala, Kaleb, Lilah-Mae, MaeLynette, Zane, Tyree Jr., Cayden, Avalynn, LaTroyona Mae, Troy III, Isaiah, Taeshawn "Lil Thunder", Martell, Mila, Kyree and JaTre' will miss him deeply.

Troy was preceded in death by his mother, Emma J. Fortune, aunt ,Annie B. Helms, uncles, John, James Sr. & Lonnie and maternal grandmother, Essie Jackson, cousins, Darshane Jackson and Sheila (Morgan) Burton. Carrying his memory forward is father, Moses Bowen of Quincy, IL, sisters, Vanessa Tyus (John) of Wildomar, CA, Gloria (Darryl) Williams of Springfield, IL, brotherly cousin, James Jackson (Maria) of Las Vegas, NV, cousins, LaLonna Jackson of Jacksonville, Michelle (Wayne) Green of Virginia, John Jackson Jr. and brother, Anthony Barnes (Tina) of Jacksonville, IL. He also leaves nephews and nieces, LaMariss, Rodney Jr., Bianca, Quanita, Nicholas, Jasmine and Jonie; surviving aunts, Dorothy Baldwin and Patricia Jackson and numerous close family and friends who will keep his memory close to their hearts.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Friday, May 10, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home to assist with expenses. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.