Jeffrey Cole Chowning

Jeffery Cole Chowning 64, of Veedersburg, Ind., died on Saturday September 9th at his home in Veedersburg, Ind. Surrounded by his wife and sons.  Jeff was born in Danville, Ill., the son of the late Larry D. Chowning and Ruby (Thomas) Chowning on Jan. 14, 1959.

     Jeff married Tammy Hawkins at the Chowning Silver Shop in Tilton Ill. January 13, 1977. Jeff and Tammy were married for 46 years. Jeff had 4 children, Justin (Beth) Chowning of Danville, IL, Nathan (Erin) Chowning of Custer SD, Jeremiah (Megan) Chowning of Veedersburg, In, Hallie Morgan, Terre Haute, In. Grandson Nicholas Cole Chowning, of Veedersburg, In. 

     Surviving family: Mother Ruby (Bill) Montgerard Danville, Il. Ride or die sister Lori Chowning (Dan Kerr) Danville, Il. Aunt Jane (Late Tom) Lyon of Wis. Eric (Dana) Chowning of Ind. Special niece Annie (Casey) Eaton of Ind. Charlie Kerr of Oakwood, Ill., Jessica Perez of Lafayette In., Bev and Dave Penn of Spearfish, SD. Deb (late Jeff) Dalle of Farmland, In. Chris (Don) Dow of Thomasboro, Il. 9 grandchildren Hunter, Skylar, Nick, Connor, Mason, Cash, Max, Jax, and Elijah. 

     Jeff leaves behind several close friends: Dan Kerr, Mike Taylor, Will Hamilton, Dave (PEPE) Kazmark, Matt Murphy, Jim Brunner. Special thanks to Chris Layer for the music provided in his final hours. Jeff was a member of the Tippecanoe County Historical Association and a member of the Veedersburg Masonic Lodge 491. 

     Will Hamilton spoke best by saying:

      Jeff has joined his friends, his mentors, and his beloved Father at the eternal campfire. Jeff had been fighting a battle with cancer. I have known and been proud to call Jeff a friend and a brother for as long as I can remember. He has a passion for history and making jewelry – especially the many pieces of treasured trade silver so many reenactors and visitors to the rendezvous took home. With every piece of silver that has left the blanket, each one of us has a little piece of tradition and a little piece of Jeff with us. I always enjoyed watching Jeff and his dad when they would find someone particularly worthy and interested, and they would open the small case of original artifacts and help people learn while holding history, as they brought the stories back to life. He loved being amongst the reenactors and the people who shared and valued his love of history and a simpler way of life. His knowledge, his talent, and his friendship will be sadly missed. Godspeed Mr. Chowning. Keep the campfire burning while the rest of carry on your memory and celebrate your life. 

    At the end of the day, the thing that was most important to Jeff was his family, May the circle be unbroken. 

   Per Jeff’s request there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to the Tippecanoe County Historical Association or F & AM Lodge #491 in Veedersburg. Online condolences at www.dickersonfuneralhome.com