Edward A Owen Sr.

Edward "Pete" Allen Owen, Sr., 95, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, hard work, adventure, and devotion to family.

Pete was born on September 2, 1930, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, to George Thomas Owen and Edna Lee Allen Owen. He graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1949, where he participated in Future Farmers of America, football, speech club, and pep club, and was proudly voted Best Dressed by his classmates. During his high school summers, he traveled to Shelbyville, Kentucky, to train as a horse jockey, beginning a lifelong passion for horses and horsemanship.

After moving to Rockford, Illinois, Pete met the love of his life, Norma Jean Swick. Their courtship was brief but certain, and just three months after meeting they were married on January 13, 1951. Together they shared more than 75 years of love, loyalty, commitment, and partnership, building a family that became Pete's greatest pride and joy.

Soon after their marriage, Pete answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War. From 1951 to 1953, he served honorably as a Sergeant and Platoon Leader with the 45th Infantry Division, INF-USAR. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Overseas Service Bar. Though he rarely sought recognition, his military service reflected the courage, dedication, and selflessness that would define the rest of his life.

Following his military service, Pete built an exceptional career with Amerock, where he worked for 37 years. Beginning as a Plater, his talent, work ethic, and determination led him through positions as Lead Chemist, Vice President of Operations, Plant Manager, and Head Process Engineer. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University, demonstrating his commitment to education and lifelong learning.

Pete embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. He traveled throughout the United States racing motorcycles and go-karts and achieved national recognition as the 1961 National Go-Kart Champion. Sponsored by Fox Company, now known as Parts Unlimited, he pursued competition with the same determination and passion that he brought to every endeavor.

An avid horseman, Pete found joy in working with horses, tending his garden, woodworking, making homemade beef jerky, and searching for the next "deal of a lifetime" at garage sales. He could stretch a dollar better than anyone, turning certificates of deposit and stock investments into hobbies he genuinely enjoyed. He believed in hard work, careful stewardship, and making the most of every opportunity.

Pete was a gifted storyteller who could captivate a room with memories of his youth, military service, racing adventures, and family history. His stories often grew a little taller with each telling, but they always carried wisdom, humor, and lessons that will continue to guide future generations. Whether gathered around the dinner table or sitting beside him for a conversation, family members knew Pete always had a story to tell, a lesson to share, or a perfectly timed joke delivered with a straight face.

Pete is described as a man of strength, faith, and unwavering character. His faith was the foundation of his life. He lived with integrity, humility, compassion, and gratitude, trusting God's guidance through both blessings and challenges. His word was trusted, his principles steadfast, and his example enduring.

Nothing brought Pete greater pride than his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend. Four children called him Dad. Twenty grandchildren called him Grandpa. Thirty great-grandchildren called him Great-Grandpa. Each was blessed to learn from him, laugh with him, and be loved by him.
To his family, Pete was far more than a decorated veteran, successful professional, champion racer, or accomplished horseman. He was a teacher, encourager, storyteller, and steady presence whose influence shaped generations. Through fishing trips, garden walks, family dinners, garage sale adventures, racing stories, and countless conversations around the table, he taught lessons in hard work, patience, perseverance, integrity, and the importance of family.

Grandchildren fondly remembered early morning bluegill fishing trips, chasing fireflies on warm summer evenings, sneaking tomatoes and sampling vegetables from Grandpa's garden, listening to stories that somehow became better with every telling, and learning about life through simple everyday moments. They remembered his love of horses, dirt bikes, go-karts, gardening, finding treasures at garage sales, and sharing his famous homemade beef jerky. Many recalled the familiar scent of Doublemint gum and tobacco, the comfort of his hugs, his playful teasing, and the small traditions that made him uniquely Grandpa—from sharing a piece of gum to offering encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Pete took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to encourage them. Whether teaching life skills, celebrating milestones, attending graduations, or proudly sharing their achievements with anyone who would listen, he made each member of his family feel valued and supported. His greatest legacy was not found in his accomplishments, but in the character, values, faith, and love he passed down to future generations.

As his granddaughters shared, "Our Grandpa lived 95 full years filled with stories, laughter, and love. Though his chair now sits empty, his stories still sneak into what we do." His lessons, humor, traditions, and love remain woven into the lives of all who knew him.
His grandson David perhaps said it best: "Today we lost the only man I was always afraid to disappoint. Most people go through life never getting to meet their hero, and I was lucky enough to be raised by mine."

Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Jean Owen; his children, George "Spark" (Lori) Owen, Rhonda (Kevin) Holcomb, Edwina Pinkston, and Petey Owen; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; his brother, Thomas "Tuck" Owen; and his sister, Georgianne Mace.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Thomas and Edna Lee Owen; sisters, Xymini Watson and Alice Owen; son, David Owen; grandson, Adam Owen; and great-granddaughter, Rylie Owen-Dehmer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the City of Loves Park Civic Center, 100 Heart Boulevard, Loves Park, Illinois 61111. A VFW Color Guard volley salute will be presented at 12:30 p.m. in honor of Pete's military service.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Pete's memory to a charity or organization of your choice, helping his legacy of service, generosity, and compassion live on through others.
Pete's life was defined by faith, service, integrity, hard work, adventure, and love. He was a storyteller, a soldier, a horseman, a champion racer, a provider, a mentor, and above all, a devoted family man. His story continues through all who knew and loved him, and his legacy will never be forgotten.