GEORGE BENJAMAN OWENS

West Frankfort–George Benjaman Owens 88 lost his battle and went to join his heavenly home Monday, June 27 2022 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

George was born on June 8, 1934 in Johnston City the son of Edward and Fannie (Boyer) Owens.

George was a hard-working young man and spent his summers in Chicago working at Cornell Forge. Upon high school graduation in 1952 he moved to Chicago, lived with his older siblings and interned for tool and die and skill trades. When Cornell Forge built a new factory in Hampshire, George was promoted to General Foreman and helped launch a new factory. Shortly later George was hired at Anaconda Wire and Cable in Sycamore, then launched a 37 year in that industry working for Anaconda for 20 years, South Wire in Flora for 8 years, Rock Bestos in Statesville NC for 2 years, Rome Wire and Cable in Rome New York for 7 years. George also was a plant manager at Advanced Mining Company in Carbondale for 2 years. When manufacturing was no longer an option, he earned a real estate license and worked as a Century 21 agent several years.

George married Sally Conro on April 7, 1956 in a double ring hi nuptial mass at Saint Catherine of Genoa in Genoa. This marriage was of 66 years and was blessed with a daughter, Sherrill and 3 sons, Richard, Thomas, and John. George had 7 granddaughters, Rick's girls, Maranda Farrar, Desirae Bluman, and Crystal Saunders, Tom's girl's, Alexis Henry and McKenzie Owens, Johns's girls, Nicole Jenkens and Rose Marie Owens. There are also 7 great grandchildren, Zack, Tucker, Trenton, Evelyn, Madison, Zayle, Isabella, and Heath in Heaven; 4 nieces and 6 nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Edith Owens, Opal Thompson and husband Lyle, Harriett Lawernce and husband Chester, Edward (Virginia Miller) Owens, Norman (Wilma Daily) Owens, Merrill (Virginia Litton) Owens; and his only daughter, Sherrill.

George never missed a baseball game, football game, wrestling match, parade or concert! George was an avid golfer and belonged to several country clubs and spent many happy years on the course with his "Sally". George was also proud of the fact he taught his wife all 4 children and granddaughter Rose Marie how to drive a car. He also had a habit of stopping at a Dairy Queen along the way.

In memory of George please take a grandchild to the park, swimming, fishing, or bike riding.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday July 16, 2022, in the Lakeview Cemetery with Fr. Brian Barker Officiating.

Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.