William B. "Bernie" Owens

William B. "Bernie" Owens, 86, of Springfield, died at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in Springfield. Bernie was born January 24, 1932 in Springfield, the son of William B. and Bertha Wells Owens. He married Mary Alice Roche on June 23, 1956 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield. Bernie graduated from Springfield High School in 1949 and attended the University of Illinois and Quincy College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Bernie was a salesman for IBM in Springfield and Quincy for more than 35 years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, the Fourth Degree Knights of ColumbusBishop Griffin Assembly, Elks Lodge #158, and Anchor Boat Club. He served at the St. Johns Breadline for many years, was a lobbyist for National Right to Life, and built sets for the Springfield Theatre Guild and The Muni. Bernie was an accomplished bridge player belonging to many bridge clubs. He also enjoyed sailing Star Class sailboats and was an avid golfer. However, his greatest pleasure was celebrating with his family and friends. Bernie never knew a stranger and was always "glad you got to see him." He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carole Sue Turner; and brother, Robert L. Owens. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Alice Owens of Springfield; sons, Tommy Owens, Bill (wife, Kim) Owens, and Bob (wife, Dawn) Owens, all of Springfield; daughters, Patti (husband, Gary) Dial of Franklin, TN, JoAnn (husband, Mike Wilkinson) Owens of Kirkwood, MO, and Judy (husband, Tim) Tavernor of Pawnee; fifteen grandchildren, Chris Dial, Mike Dial, Andrea Watson, Joe Lokaitis, Tim Lokaitis, Cindy Lokaitis, Renea Coberly, Jen Blinkinsop, Andrew Owens, Greg Owens, Gabe Owens, Drew Tavernor, Josh Tavernor, Nicolette Owens, and Caitlyn Owens; eleven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield with Rev. Jeff Grant, celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the Department of Defense. Memorial contributions may be made to: Brother James Court, 2508 St. James Rd., Springfield, IL 62704 or Springfield Right to Life, 536 N. Bruns Ln., Suite 2, Springfield, IL 62702. "Heres looking at you, kid."