BENTON – Donald Eugene Owens Jr., age 68, of Benton, IL, passed away at 4:33 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare Services of Illinois.
He was born on September 14, 1957, in Benton, IL; the son of Donald Eugene Owens, Sr and Mary (Jilek) Owens. He married the former Christine Casey on August 8, 1981, and she survives.
Before retirement, Don’s working career consisted of working in the coal mines with Freeman United Coal Company Mine #3 & #6. He also worked as a heating and air technician with Pass Heating and Air Conditioning. He last worked as an engineer with BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products). He was a member of the UMWA.
Don was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton and was a Past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed tinkering with objects and was known for enjoying taking them apart and putting them back together again. He liked camping and most of all enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His family called him “Mr. Fix it” and stated pop can fix anything.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Christine Owens of Benton, IL; his mother, Mary Owens of Benton, IL; a son, Brent Owens and wife Samantha of Benton, IL; son-in-law, James Harris of Benton, IL; grandchildren including Christian Harris, Maykia Harris, Brylee Harris and Dawsyn Owens; great-granddaughter, Aurora; and a brother, Michael Owens and wife Leeann of West Frankfort, IL.
Don was preceded in death by his father, and two daughters, Emily Elizabeth (Owens) Harris and Hannah Marie Owens.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Rev. Father Gabriel Sandwidi officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Don, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.