Orville “John” Owens, 76, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at St. John’s Hospital.

John was born on June 23, 1941 in Virden the son of Bernard H. and Elizabeth Somerjai Owens.  He married Jean Rudin on January 19, 1963 at St. Joseph’s Church.

John was the agency manager at Wonder Bread for many years and later went on to work for CWLP retiring in 2017.  He was a member of teamsters, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a past member of Knights of Columbus.  He was a volunteer for the Springfield Auxiliary Police Department and a Democratic Precinct Committeemen of Capital 12.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, barrel racing, and tinkering in the garage.  He especially loved his dogs, Tippy and Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Frank E. Owens.

He is survived by his wife, Jean of Springfield; sons, Mike (Laura) Owens, of TN, John J. Owens, Richard L. Owens and Brian (Sydonia) Owens all of Springfield; grandchildren, Thomas M., Brian II, Zachary A., Alexandria M., Brock W., Serenity L., and Gabriel L.; brother, Bernard Harry (Mary Jane) Owens Jr. of Lindenwood; sister-in-law, Susan Owens of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home.  Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Reverend Manuel Cuizon, C.R.S. officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Hospital, Hospice Program, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702.

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