Thomas J. Owen

Thomas James Owen, lovingly known as Tom, passed away on March 18, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 79.

Born on June 25, 1945, in Oak Park, Illinois, Tom grew up with a strong sense of family and community. He graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1963. He continued his education at Northern Illinois University, where he earned his B.S. in Marketing in 1967. It was while attending NIU, that Tom met his wife Kathleen. Shortly after graduation, he began his career at Chicago Rawhide, later known as SKF. Spending part of his 42 year career as a traveling salesman, he made friends far and wide.

Tom was a devoted husband to Kathleen Crittenden Owen and a loving father to Christopher Owen (Keith Ulrich), Marnie Niziolek (Frank), Stacey Bihun (Don), and Carrie Leadbetter (Jason Johansen). He treasured his role as a grandfather to Frankie, Meghan, and Mary Niziolek; Kate and Alex Bihun; and Caylie and Madison Leadbetter. His siblings Barbara Huston, Keith Owen (late wife Jan), and Maryann Owen (Clay Allen) were deeply cherished and played a significant role throughout his life. He also leaves behind nephews Brett, Todd, Jeff, and Cliff Huston, and niece Amy Eikermann. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Thomas John Owen and Jeanne McNaughton Owen, as well as his nephew Scott Huston.

A man with a tender heart and a great sense of humor, Tom found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for gardening and cooking and could often be found with a book in hand or enjoying a round of golf. Fishing trips with his brother Keith were among his favorite pastimes. Beyond his personal interests, Tom was deeply committed to giving back to others. Whether coaching his son’s soccer team or officiating at his daughter’s swim meets, he always made time for family activities. He cherished watching his grandchildren participate in their activities and served as the official back up driver to school and events. You could always count on Tom to show up. His generosity extended beyond his immediate circle through his involvement with charitable organizations such as Bartlett Learning Center, Ronald McDonald House, and St. Jude’s.

Tom’s kindness and dedication to those around him will be remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 24, 2025, at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel in Roselle, Illinois (450 W. Lake Street). Friends and family are invited to gather between 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM to honor Tom’s memory and share stories of the impact he had on their lives. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at givenow.lls.org or to St. Jude’s Hospital at stjude.org.