Obituary Merl Lonnie Owens, 77, of Washington, IL died at 10:53 am Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Born on January 31, 1940 in St. Mary's, MO, he married Beverly Jean Smith on June 17, 1961 in Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Bob (Teri) Owens of Midland, GA and Jeff (Kelly) Owens of Hebron, KY, 6 grandchildren, Brandon Owens, Kaitlin Owens, Alex Owens, Kaci Owens, Mattie Thomas, and Karleigh Owens, and a stepsister, Pat (Louis) McCarthy of Topeka, KS. He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola King, his stepfather, Jack King and son, Michael Owens in 1996. Lonnie worked in Technical Support Development at Caterpillar Tractor Co. for over 32 years, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he enjoyed work at Uftring Chevrolet in Washington for several years. Always staying active, Lonnie was a Recruiter for the United States Military Academy at West Point for 10 years, a Red Cross Hospital Services volunteer for 36 years, an NTRA Little League Coach, bowled at the Peoria Christian Center, and was a member of the Parents Group of St. Jude Midwest Affiliate in Peoria. Lonnie also was a member of Highview Church of God in Washington, where he served as a Head Usher, and a Trustee, serving as Chairman of the Trustees for 7 years. Services will be at 11 am Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Pastor Brent Farmer and Chaplain Doug Love will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday, March 10, 2017 at the funeral home and also from 10-11 am Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and a graveside service will be at 9 am Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Glendale Cemetery in Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or a charity of the donor's choice. Cemetery Details Glendale Cemetery 600 Oakwood Lane Washington, IL, Visitation MAR 10. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - Washington 2075 Washington Road Washington, IL, US, 61571 Service MAR 11. 11:00 AM Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory - Washington 2075 Washington Road Washington, IL, US, 61571 Graveside Service MAR 12. 09:00 AM Glendale Cemetery 600 Oakwood Ln Washington, IL, US, 61571