Joseph Edward Ewen

Born June 4, 1939 in Kampsville to Joseph H. and Freda B. (Hayn) Ewen, he married Linda Clayton on July 13, 1984 in Pekin.

Surviving is his wife of 38 years Linda Ewen; five children, Greg (Mindy) Ewen, Linda K. Gaiser, Teresa “Teri” (Dennis) Lorentz of Pekin, Daniel Clayton of Oregon and Bradley (Barrie) Kitchell of Orange County, California; nine grandchildren, Kara Mae Kitchell, Emily, Megan, Carson, and Cameron Clayton, Klaudia, Quincy Gaiser, Barbara (Ryan) Landis of Texas and James Dennis “JD” Lorentz; two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Madelyn Landis; three great-great-grandchildren, Delaney, Xavier and Ava Clayton and one brother, John (Luellen) Ewen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Elizabeth Bland.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, giving ALL his undivided attention and investing in their lives.

Joe was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving on the ship USS McCaffery DDE860, from 1958 to 1962.

He had worked for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad in South Pekin, IL, for 12 years and he later worked at Frantz Chemical Company, AA Ambulance, and Caterpillar, Inc. “Because three jobs at once just wasn't enough.”

Joe enjoyed taking road trips and riding motorcycles. He found it gratifying to discover how things worked and delighted in sharing that knowledge with others. Joe had always dreamt of having a sailboat of his own, and not having the funds for one, he studied and converted his canoe into a very efficient sailboat/canoe.

He will be remembered for his patience, humility, his clever sense of humor, and the love that he spread.

There will be no services. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com