Don Stowers, 64, of Fairview Heights, Ill., born Aug. 12, 1947, died Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011.



Heaven has been waiting for this day for a long time. Don Stowers has finally arrived to set things straight. The pearly gates have been squeaking and loose on their hinges. Mary needs new custom cabinets in the celestial kitchen. Dale Sr. needs a new head wrench for old No. 3, and the Heavenly Host hasn't had any good barbecue in heaven knows when. All that will be taken care of now that Don Stowers, race car driver and mechanic, master cabinet maker, all around fix-anything handyman and barbecue chef extraordinaire has arrived in paradise. He will be watching next year's racing season from high above the blimp, rooting for his favorite drivers, wearing his BBQ apron and grilling a feast for anyone willing to join him.



Don lived life to its fullest, never settling for a dull moment. His wife, Nelka Danieley Stowers, will be taking a deep breath and relaxing for a bit after chasing him from green pasture to green pasture for the past 43 years.



He has passed down the torch of supporting our great country and his love of life to his daughter, Dawn Stowers, and her husband, Kevin Harvey. They will continue his obsession with all things gasoline and rubber for many years to come. His ultimate lasting legacy, his granddaughters Tiffany and Ashley, will carry on his love of excitement, thoughtful research and creative arguments for a lifetime.



Don was preceded in death by his parents, Paul M. Sr., and Mary, nee Love, Stowers; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Benton and Alice Danieley; and brothers, Terry Stowers and Paul Stowers, Jr.



Surviving are his brothers and sisters, Bonnie Laws, Mary Lynn Stowers, Betty Martin, Eddie Stowers, and "Rena" Schrein and her husband Ronald and their daughter, Blake; and many nieces and nephews.



The memory of Don Stowers and reflection on his lessons in life will continue for many years as we spread his ashes around the four corners of the country he so dearly loved.



Don't worry, Don, we'll continue spoiling all of the ladies in your life and ensure Beaner gets plenty of ice cream!!!



In lieu of flowers, we ask family and friends to donate to the USO on his behalf.



Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at Herr Caseyville Chapel, Caseyville, Ill.