David Glenn Owens, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 4:41 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare Center of Marion, Illinois.
David was born March 24, 1952, in Rockford, Illinois; the son of Wayne G. and Joyce Marie (Olson) Owens.
In 1970 he enlisted and proudly served his country for two tours in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1973.
The biggest part of David’s twenties was spent in Waukegan, Libertyville and Mundelein, Illinois.
In 1980 he moved to Phoenix, AZ. While in Phoenix he met Luan, a single mother with two young daughters on March 7, 1981. Luan and David would marry on April 24, 1982, and were happily married for 44 years.
David was Captain of Contract Security at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He would later become a police officer in 1985 with the Buckeye Police Department in Buckeye, AZ. In 1989, he became a detective for the department and was promoted to lead detective in 1991. After twenty years, in 2007, he retired with the rank of sergeant.
Later in life, David and Luan became guardians of their two grandsons. And in May of 2007, they all moved to West City/Benton, IL, where he lived until his death.
David was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, and the National Rifle Association.
He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy Church in Johnston City, IL. In recent years he and his wife attended the North Benton Baptist Church.
David enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, trail riding, watching Westerns, especially anything John Wayne, cowboy things. He enjoyed taking care of animals, especially his dogs and cats. And he liked feeding the birds and squirrels in his yard. He also had a passion for listening to 60s and 70s Country and Classic Rock music.
Surviving is his loving wife Luan Owens of Benton, IL, two daughters: Stephanie Colette Lopez and husband Eric of Topeka, KS, Dana Tivi Rios of Fort Collins, CO; three grandchildren: Jacob Christian O’Dell of Benton, IL, Tristan David Lopez and partner Destiny Dority of Benton IL, Cody Conaway of Richton Park, IL; two great-grandchildren: Jaylynn Javada Lopez and Myles David Lopez; a sister Sheryl Rocha of Wisconsin; a chosen sister Melody Mayhugh of Buckeye, AZ; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Johnny Rios, and four brothers Barry, Bob, Rick, and John, also a nephew Barry.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the North Benton Baptist Church, 623 Joplin Street, Benton, IL 62812; with Pastor Eric Ruhe officiating.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of David to the Benton V.F.W. Post#2671.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of David, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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