OREGON – Owen Lee Howard, 63, of Oregon, died Jan. 20, 2021 in his home surrounded by his family. Born June 30, 1957 in West Plains, Mo. Son of Robert and Omega (Owen) Howard.
Grew up in Rockford. Moved to Oregon Illinois in 2004. Owen married Karen L. Posey on Feb. 12, 1977. He worked as a custodian for the Rockford Public Schools for 28 years. He also was a custodian for Belvidere Schools, Oregon High School, and an event staff supervisor at BMO Harris Bank Center/Metro Center. He enjoyed playing cards, 4 wheeling with the family and playing bags but mostly loved spending time with his grandkids. He was a wonderful family man and friend. He never met a stranger, always had time for everyone.
Owen is survived by his wife Karen; daughters Alicia (Tommy) Swisher, Tiffany (Dan M) Howard, and Trina (Dan) Nelson; daughter-in-law Misty Gear; grandchildren Jessica (Adam)Stafford, Jaime Bull, Tyler Crowell , Leland Howard, Trinity Howard-Nelson, Aubrey Gear, Zackery White, Julianna Bull, Jazmyne Bull, Kaitlyn Nelson, and Alyssa Nelson; great-grandchildren Athena Stafford, Jack Stafford, Tonieo, Madison, Malani, Kyron, and River; siblings Tricia Posey, Joanna (Marc) Whitmore, and James Howard; Brother-in-laws Lee Guerra and Sam (Carol) Powell, Steve (Gloria) Posey sister-in-law Gayle Posey several special nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Omega Howard, in-laws Norman Dale and Dorothy Posey; son Norman Dale Posey lll, and sister Rose King, Brother-in-law Harry (Elvira) Powell, Gary Posey, Sister-in-law Cheryl (Rulon) Hemingway.
A Memorial Service was 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021 in Cornerstone Church, 205 N. Peru St., Byron, IL 61010 with Rev. Randy Snider officiating. Visitation was from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers you may give memorials to the family. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111
