Owen R. Lindsey, age 24, of Centralia, IL, formerly of Peoria, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia.

Owen was born on January 26, 1999, in Normal, IL, to Terrence and Jane "BJ" (Dobbins) Lindsey. He is survived by his parents of Peoria; older brother, Ross Lindsey (fiancée Emily Sjurseth), also of Peoria; paternal grandmother, Jo Ann Lindsey of Canton; maternal grandmother, Jane Dobbins of Morton; uncle Dick (Norma) Lindsey; uncle Joe (Claudia) Lindsey; uncle Steve (Kim) Dobbins; aunt Cathy (the late Steve) Stella; uncle Jim (Emily) Dobbins; several cousins; and a large extended family. He also is survived by his beloved cats, Kira, Lili, and Castiel. Owen was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Junior Lindsey; maternal grandparents, Dale and Leslie Dobbins; uncle Steve Stella; and cats Fenway, Starbuck, and Xev.

Owen was a Cub Scout in Pack 11 in West Peoria. He wrestled for the Peoria Razorbacks youth wrestling team and was a state qualifier in the IKWF tournament in 2013 and 2014. In his freshman year at Richwoods High School, he wrestled on the JV team. The following year, he transferred to Kiefer School, where he received the Cougar of the Month award and performed in the talent show. In Kiefer's transitional employment program, Owen excelled in his lunchroom jobs and attained a position as a dishwasher at the Suite Fire Bar + Grille at the Holiday Inn & Suites at Grand Prairie. He worked at Suite Fire for almost three years, until the pandemic interfered. Owen graduated from Kiefer School and Canton High School in 2019.

Owen had many leisure interests, including: Star Wars; cartoons, especially Scooby-Doo and SpongeBob; local TV news stations and their personnel, especially his heroes, Tom McIntyre and Chuck Collins; comic book superheroes; history, especially military history; classic movies; farm stuff; cars, including Ford F-150 trucks and his vast Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection; and watching sports. Owen also loved collecting baseball hats, and he seldom left home without wearing one. Owen was an avid fan of Bradley University sports teams and the Peoria Rivermen. He enjoyed participating in the monthly social gatherings of People with Unlimited Potential (PUP). He was a member of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria.

Owen embraced life with an open mind, a loving heart, and a sense of wonder. He found joy in the simplest things. Even in death, he helped others, as an organ and tissue donor. Owen loved deeply and was deeply loved.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of Owen's life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 25, 2023 at his church, the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria, 3000 W. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria, IL 61604. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Owen had a fun-loving spirit. He delighted in wearing shirts and hats that reflected his many interests, as well as his love of the color blue. His parents invite attendees to wear clothing or hats honoring one or more of his interests and/or his favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Owen's name to his church or to Kiefer School, 2130 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61603. Owen's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome .com where condolences may also be sent to his family.