Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 52-year-old Todd Bowers, owner of Bowers Towing of Godfrey, IL. He died unexpectedly on Oct. 21. Here’s the story from The Telegraph:

GODFREY – Todd Bowers went to his final resting place with dozens of his friends in tow.

Tow truck drivers from across the region rallied Tuesday for the final farewell to one of their own.

Bowers, the longtime operator of Bowers Towing, was remembered as a “family man” and “successful businessman” by those who knew him. The 52-year-old Godfrey man died Thursday of an apparent heart attack.

Starting about 10 a.m., the first tow truck, a heavy-duty boom truck, pulled into the yard of Bowers Towing, 6204 Godfrey Road. A few minutes later, another truck, a “roll-back,” pulled in.

A few minutes later came another and then another. Within 30 minutes, the yard was full of tow trucks from across the region.

The drivers got out of their rigs and gathered in clusters, waiting for the funeral procession of one of their own.

Family and friends filed into the sanctuary of St. Ambrose Church to pay their final respects. The pews were filled with those saying goodbye.

“Todd was an outstanding person,” the Rev. Steve Pohlman said. “As good as you get.”

Pohlman, who officiated at the service, said everyone had to trust that God took Bowers into safekeeping.

“We’ll see him again one day,” he said. “Our separation is not a permanent one, but a temporary one.”

He said even though Bowers was taken too early in life, it was part of God’s plan.

“There is no detour in dying and the expiration date only God can see,” Pohlman said.

Ruth Guntren, Todd’s mother, said her son both arrived and left this world early. She said her son was born two months premature and died too young.

Bowers took over the towing business in 1985 after his father, Nelson Bowers, died, also at a young age, 49. The Bowers Towing operation has offices in Godfrey and Wood River and operates around the clock.

Todd Bowers was a dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather. He earned his wings as an Eagle Scout, enjoyed cooking for others and had an affinity for BMX racing.

Bowers believed in giving back to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 15 years with the Godfrey Fire Protection District and served as president of its board.

While hymns were sung and scriptures were read inside the church, diesel engines hummed as the drivers waited for the procession to pass by the towing company. Nearly three dozen tow trucks created an “honor guard” as the drivers headed south on Godfrey Road to St. Patrick’s Cemetery, where Bowers was laid to rest.

“It’s a sad day for the towing world,” said Steve Kainz, owner of Trickey’s Service Inc. in Wood River.

Kainz was asked to put together the tribute honoring a man “way too young to die.”

“Todd and I had known each other for a long time, and we kind of had this love/hate relationship,” he said. “I was floored and honored when I was asked to put together the procession.”

Kainz contacted towing companies within a 100-mile radius in both Illinois and Missouri to take part in the event.

“It was really impressive,” Kainz said. “So many people gave up their time. They really went above and beyond.”

cellis@thetelegraph.com

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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Here’s the story from the Janesville Gazette:

JANESVILLE — Thirty tow trucks paraded through Janesville on Saturday to spread holiday cheer.

Trucks were decorated with tinsel and stockings. One truck had Santa’s sleigh and reindeer on its flatbed. Others carried large boxes designed like Christmas presents.

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When the tow truck drivers arrived at Traxler Park, they delivered more than 1,000 toys to the Salvation Army and ECHO. The toys will be donated to local families.

The parade was part of the Tow Trucks for Tots program, which collects toys for children and promotes the towing industry. Worldwide Equipment Sales of Rockdale, Ill., and the Wisconsin Towing Association organized the event.

Pat Winer of Worldwide Equipment started Tow Trucks for Tots a few years ago.

He said tow trucks often would form a parade as part of a funeral procession when a tow truck driver died.

“We wanted a tow truck parade when everyone would laugh and have a good time,” Winer said. “We thought, ‘What would be better than collecting toys for children?’ ”

Worldwide Equipment does a tow truck parade every year in Illinois, he said. The company also organizes a parade and toy giveaway in other cities that might need help.

Janesville was chosen because the General Motors plant and other businesses have closed, creating a hardship on families, Winer said. GM makes many tow trucks.

“The people who built those helped the towing industry,” he said. “We wanted to help them.”

Tow trucks from Wisconsin and Illinois were in the parade. They had their lights flashing when they drove. Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks also participated in the parade.

When the trucks arrived at Traxler, about 75 people helped unload presents. They formed assembly lines to pass the presents from the trucks to other vehicles that will take gifts to the Salvation Army and ECHO.

“Look at these people. They’re all smiling and happy to be helping out,” Winer said.

Steve Davis of Davis Citgo in Janesville and the Wisconsin Towing Association said fundraisers were done to buy toys. He said the towing association asked its members to donate and help.

“This time of year it’s a good thing,” Davis said. “It’s a good day for Janesville.”

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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CHESTERFIELD, VA (WWBT) – A tow truck driver nearly lost his life while on the job after he was sideswiped by another driver who didn’t stop. The hit and run happened on Interstate 95 just south of 895 in Chesterfield.

Barry Best has a massive bruise on his lower back, but has since returned to work, even taking jobs on the interstate again. The hit and run driver is still on the run.
Best’s wife turned to Craigslist for help and even offered a reward.
Best could’ve easily been killed. A huge bruise on his back is a painful reminder.
“Felt like I’d been hit by a baseball bat,” said Best.
Best was on-call early Saturday. Two men needed a tow to Petersburg.
“I was at least six to eight feet on the other side of the white line,” said Best.
He was about to load up their car when the father of two said his life flashed before his eyes.
“I was standing pretty much like this when I saw the car coming towards me at an angle and about that time is when I squeezed up like that, and it still clipped me right there,” said Best.
Best said he heard and felt the car’s side mirror shatter against his back. Neither Best nor the men he was helping got a good look at the car. He thinks it was a dark colored Honda Accord.
“They should have at least stopped to see if I was okay,” said Best.
Last year, the DMV tracked 243 crashes statewide involving tow truck drivers. One was killed, 20 others hurt.
Tow truck drivers are now protected under Virginia’s move over slow down law. State lawmakers expanded it last year to include amber flashing lights. Best said his were on. He was also wearing a bright safety vest.
“It’s very, very easy to see at night,” said Best.
Best’s wife posted an ad on Craigslist, but only one other person besides me responded, asking if he was okay.
“That kind of makes us wonder if this person knows something about it,” said Best.
State police are investigating. If you have information that could help solve the case, give them a call. The vehicle involved will have damage to the front passenger side mirror. 

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