John Edward Owens was born on March 29, 1964, Easter Sunday, in Sycamore, Illinois. He was the son of George and Sally (Conro) Owens.

John was of the Catholic Faith. He was an altar boy for ten years at Saint Stevens in Flora. He was an honor roll student and a 1982 graduate of Flora High school. He was an outstanding athlete and excelled at the swim team, football, and wrestling. John enlisted in the U.S. Army one week after high school graduation. He obtained the rank of E-5 Sgt. His military awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle and Grenade).

John also graduated from Rend Lake College with an associates degree. He was employed by General Dynamics as a defense contractor until he became disabled at a young age and endured years of dialysis.

John lost the battle on Friday November 28 in Saint Louis University Hospital with his cherished daughter Rose Marie holding his hand. He was 61 years old.

John was preceded in death by grandparents, Edward and Fannie Owens, Alfred and Rose (Herrmann) Conro; his father George; and his only sister Sherrill Jean Owens.

Left to cherish his memory are his mom, Sally Owens; his daughter Rose Marie Owens; big brothers Rick and Tom Owens; nieces Desirae, Crystal, Maranda, Alexis, and McKenzie.

Full Military Rites will be in the spring at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.

Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 P.M. with Father Francis Tambala officiating. Graveside military honors will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.