Ronald J Owens, Sr.

Born March 6, 1937 in Pekin to Loretta (DeSanctis) and Jeff E. Owens, he married LaVerne Forbis in 1954 and they had 3 children. He later married Diane Norris Temple on April 10, 1993 in Bridal Cave at Lake of the Ozarks, she survives. He is one of 21 children born to Jeff E. Owens.

He is survived by Diane, his wife of 14 years, 11 months and 26 days, 2 sons, RonaldJ. "Skip" (Christine) Owens, Jr. and Roland Scot Owens, both of Pekin; 4 step daughters, Susan Temple Durham of Brimfield, Santana "Sandie" Temple (Keith) Brewington of Green Valley, Sherri Temple of White Oak, Georgia and Sheila Temple (Richard) Biggs of Pekin; 4 grandchildren, Ronald J. "RJ" Owens, III, Whitney Owens, Colton Ozella, and Bailey Owens, all of Pekin; four step grandchildren, Rachelle (Sean) Roth of Peoria, Joshua (Wendy) Steinsultz of Ocala, Florida, Corey Biggs and Cheanice Schott, both of Pekin; three step-great grandchildren, Kassiddy Simoncini of Pekin, Abigale Steinsultz of Ocala, Florida and Korbin Cain of Peoria; sisters, Edith Neal and Betty Rhoades, both of Pekin, along with many nieces, nephews, step-sisters, brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, Debbie, his brother, Jimmy Owens, and a sister Velma Mae VanMeltebeck.

He attended Jefferson and Roosevelt Grade Schools, Washington Junior High School and Pekin Community High School. He served in the United States Army stationed in Germany from 1960 to 1962. He played the bass guitar in several country music bands, one being the "Country Knights" throughout Illinois for 25 years.

Ron worked at Corn Products Company in Pekin for 46 years, retiring from Pekin Energy in 1999.

He belonged to the United Steel Workers Union Local #7-662, the Eagle Aerie #1869 of Pekin, the Corn Products Pioneer Club, and the Aventine Golf League. He attended First Baptist Church in Pekin.

Ron loved music and playing his guitar. He was an avid golfer and loved going fishing and boating at their cabin in the Lake of the Ozarks.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 10, 2008at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and also one hour before the funeral Thursday, both at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, IL 61615, the Food Pantry at First Baptist Church of Pekin, First Baptist's Mentoring Program at Jefferson School in Pekin, or the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.