Lowanda Cadle

Lowanda Cadle passed away peacefully at her home on October 1, 2025, just one day shy of her 95th birthday. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by the love, warmth, and care of her devoted family — a reflection of the life she lived and the love she so freely gave.

Born on October 2, 1930, in Johnson County/Creal Springs, Illinois, Lowanda was the cherished daughter of Loren and Marbia (Simmons) Johns. She grew up alongside her beloved sister June (Johns) Walker and aunt Cora Belle (Johns) Childers — three inseparable companions who shared a bond of lifelong friendship, laughter, and childhood adventure. Lowanda often recalled their mischief and memories with a sparkle in her eye and joy in her heart.

At the tender age of 14, while working in a restaurant, Lowanda caught the eye of a young soldier named Bill Cadle. He fell instantly in love with the beautiful, vivacious girl with a quick wit and radiant smile. When Bill returned from World War II, they married in 1946 and began a life together filled with hard work, devotion, family, and shared adventure. They welcomed two sons, Jerry Alan and Billy Keith and created a home grounded in faith, where God came first and love was ever-present. Bill and Lowanda were longtime members of McKinney Chapel Church, where Lowanda faithfully worshiped, served, and gave for more than 74 years — making her one of the church’s most enduring and devoted members.

Lowanda and Bill were true partners in every sense. They traveled extensively across the United States, embracing life’s finer things — exquisite dining, lively dancing, and dear friendships along the way. Whether she was pruning flowers in her yard, watching birds from the porch, or playing a fiercely competitive game of charades at Thanksgiving, Lowanda brought joy, warmth, and elegance to everything she did. Every year on her birthday, she looked forward to the simple joy of family gathered around a fire and roasting hotdogs.

A proud homemaker and a trailblazing professional, Lowanda carved out a successful career in real estate, earning sales awards and the respect of her peers. She was admired for her tenacity, intelligence, and impeccable style.

A lifelong learner, Lowanda never lost her curiosity. She kept a dictionary by her coffee table, was unbeatable at trivia, and had a deep love for movies and television. Her mind was sharp, her sense of humor quick, and her presence magnetic.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill; her parents, Loren and Marbia; her sisters Ruth Ann, June, and Karen Sue; her stepmother Louise; niece Beverly; granddaughter Tara Jo; and dear aunt Cora Belle.

More than just loving her family, Lowanda made it her mission to deeply know and understand each child and grandchild she was blessed with — nurturing meaningful, personal connections that made every one of them feel seen, valued, and unconditionally loved. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched — in every story told, every family gathering, and every shared smile.

She is lovingly remembered and profoundly missed by her sons Jerry (Karen) Cadle and Keith (Jane) Cadle; grandchildren Lauri Cadle, Todd (Michelle) Thomas, Becky (Cole) Moss, and Adam Cadle; great-grandchildren Breanna (Ben) House, Blake (Heather) Benson, Joshua Thomas, Karis and Thomas Moss, Broxton and Ellington Cadle, great-great-grandchildren Brayden and Braxton Landis and Lyla Jo Benson, her cousin Joy and her nieces, Pam, Marba and Debbie.

Lowanda Cadle lived a long, beautiful life defined by love, resilience, curiosity, and grace. Though her physical presence will be missed beyond measure, her spirit — strong, radiant, and ever-loving — will remain with us always.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Blue Funeral Home, under the direction of Binkley Ross. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church in Marion, IL. A service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Kenny Blumenstock officiating. Interment will follow at McKinney Chapel Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McKinney Chapel or Hospice of Southern Illinois.