James Owens
Bethalto | Save
James "Ken" Kenneth Owens, 93, of Bethalto, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
He was born on March 31, 1932, in Zalma, MO, the son of James and Pearl Beatrice (Herrell) Owens. Ken married Betty Roberts in Alton in April of 1956. She preceded him in death on December 24, 1991.
Ken is a United States Army Veteran. He was a member of Steel Workers Union # 3643, and worked for Laclede Steel as a tube mill operator. Ken was a member of Bethalto Church of God. As a resident there, he enjoyed participating in Bingo and listening to live music at Cedarhurst of Bethalto.
Survivors include his children, Brad (Sharon) Owens of McDonough, GA, and Gary (Kellie) Owens of Wood River; two grandchildren, Rachel (Andy) Estes of Jackson, GA, and Colin Owens of Wood River; two great-grandchildren, Gabe Estes and Aaron Estes; siblings, Gerald (Shirley) Owens of Jackson, MO, Mary Wilton of Oklahoma City, OK, Rosalie (Charles) Hoffman of Broken Arrow, OK, Judy (Bob) Maples of Godfrey, and Dorothy Bond of Advance, MO; and a brother-in-law, Joe Hodge of Thomaston, GA.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Robert "Bob" Owens; a daughter-in-law, Jana Owens; siblings, Verdale (Maxine) Owens, Ben (Mary) Owens, Terry Owens, Norma Hodge, and an infant sister, Patsy Mae Owens in 1941; and two brothers-in-law, Ethyllon Wilton, and Bud Bond.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 9 am until time of service at 11 am, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Pastor Seeram Garney will officiate.
Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations are suggested to Disabled Veterans Fund and/or POWs.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
