BELLEVILLE, Ill. – It is with deep sorrow that Southern Illinois Builders Association notes the passing of David Owen, 70, of Belleville, Ill.
Born June 29, 1955 in East St. Louis, he died Tuesday, Nov. 18th at his residence.
Owen began his lifelong career in the trades working alongside his father, Fred, and his brother, Wayne, at the family business, AAA Roofing and Insulation in Fairview Heights, Ill.
These early years taught him the value of craftsmanship, integrity and showing up for others – principles he carried with him throughout his life.
In 1993, Owen had the opportunity to purchase Geissler Roofing. With determination and an unwavering work ethic, he grew the company into a large, competitive and well-respected name in the industry. Over the decades, Owen employed and mentored many skilled craftsmen, earning a reputation as a fair, dependable and loyal owner. He believed in treating people right, and those who worked for him felt it.
After nearly 30 years of leadership, Owen stepped back in early 2022 to begin his well-earned retirement. He was proud to pass the torch to family members and watch the company continue to grow on the foundation he had built.
Owen leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, generosity and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His impact will be felt for years to come, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle Booker; his parents, Fred and Lola, nee Elder Owen; two brothers, Wayne Donnell and Gary (Sharon) Donnell; and a sister, Bonnie (Floyd) Wilson.
Surviving are four children, Stephanie (Brian) McGuire, Rachel (Ronnie) Kister, Patrick (Rebecka) MacMiller and Ashley Emig; five grandchildren, Maggie, Owen, Parker, Theodore and Wesley; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his mother-in-law, Martha, nee Hoffmann, Booker; and a brother-in-law, Michael (Jamey) Booker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pompe Warrior Foundation Corporation, https://www.pompewarriorfoundation.com/.