Raymond W. Owens, age 88, an Arlington Heights resident since 1973, peacefully passed away on October 9, 2025, surrounded by his family. Ray was the beloved husband of Eileen, nee Kane, for over 64 years and the loving father of Kathleen (William) Sherlock of Chicago, Raymond (Kelly) Owens of Chicago, and Brian (Amy) Owens of Hinsdale. He cherished his six grandchildren: Brian (Katie), Carly and Claire Owens and Raymond, Emily and Sloane Owens. Ray was the son of the late Raymond and the late Mary Owens; and the dear brother of the late Marita (the late Theodore) Komp, the late Alan (Kathleen) Owens and the late Kevin Owens. He was the dear brother-in-law of the late Maureen Burke and fond uncle, cousin and friend of many.
Ray was a graduate of Marmion Military Academy and received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from DePaul University where he and Eileen met. He was a member of Lambda Tau Lambda. Ray began his career in education as a junior high social studies teacher in Dolton District 148 and then at Eisenhower High School in District 218. He was a principal in Lansing District 171, District 63 in Niles and Country Club Hills District 160.
Ray enjoyed traveling and he and Eileen visited all seven continents. He and Eileen also enjoyed spending winters in Longboat Key, Florida. He was involved in youth sports as an administrator in the Arlington Heights Youth Basketball Association. In retirement, Ray passed a palate test and qualified as a certified taster for Sara Lee – somebody had to make the sacrifice! He was also known for his delicious Brandy Alexanders at Christmas. Some of Ray’s happiest times were attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, especially all of their sports. He seized every opportunity to encourage them and he enjoyed celebrating all of their achievements.
Ray had been a lector at St. Kieran and St. Edna Catholic Churches and was president for 12 years of the Lake Arlington Towne Homeowners Association. He was proud to be a life-long Democrat. Ray was an avid reader and subscribed to three daily newspapers, including his beloved New York Times. He loved reading the wedding announcements in the Sunday NY Times and was well known for cutting out articles and distributing them to family and friends. Some of his most relaxing moments were spent sitting on his porch overlooking Lake Arlington while sipping his peanut butter whiskey.
In celebration of Ray and Eileen’s 60th wedding anniversary, they donated a bench on Lake Arlington. If life finds you in Arlington Heights, please stop by the lake to sit on the bench and enjoy the sunset.
In remembrance of Ray and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marmion Academy in Aurora, Illinois (marmion.org). To honor Ray’s memory, enjoy a dish of ice cream, read a newspaper, and be sure to vote.
Visitation will be held from 3:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Edna Catholic Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00am. Visitation at the church will be held from 9:00am to 10:00am.
Interment following the funeral mass at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E. Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights.
