Owen D. Webb

Age 84 of Wilmington, died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 27, 2023 at his home.

Born September 10, 1938 in Effingham, Illinois, Owen Dean was a son of Ervin and Mildred (McKinnon) Webb. He was raised and educated in Effingham and graduated from Effingham High School with the Class of 1956. Owen enlisted in the United States Navy and saw a lot of the world, including Turkey, Greece, Spain, and served in Cuba during the Cuban Revolution. He married Margaret “Peggy” Starkey on August 23, 1957 in Effingham. They relocated to Manhattan, Illinois, and finally Wilmington in 1964.

He was employed at Statesville Prison, Cel-Fibe in Wilmington, and then joined the Teamsters and worked at Rayburn Transportation Inc. in Wilmington, PT Ferro in Joliet, and also drove for Dan and Cindy Ragain. Owen, or the “Big O” or “Catfish”, was larger than life and always had a hearty welcome for anybody he ran into. He was friendly with everyone and loved to talk about any subject, and usually had a strong opinion on whatever that subject was. Owen loved to play cards and did so for many years at the old and new Corner Tap. He really enjoyed his regular Friday Night poker game with all of his poker buddies, and he was known to frequent the horse racing track and place a few wagers. Owen was involved in founding the Wilmington Bobcat Football Organization and would coach football, baseball, and softball for many years. He was also the President of the Wilmington Booster Club. Owen was a faithful Wilmington Wildcat Fan and loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in all of the various sports. As he got older, his attention turned to his great grandchildren and following them on the softball field. He also enjoyed his visits to his family in Arizona and talking to them on the phone. Owen was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, naturally leading to his dislike of the Chicago Cubs.

He was a loving and faithful husband to Peggy for 54 years. They were inseparable, and if you saw one of them you usually saw the other one. He was a loving father to Vonda, Tonya, and Kevin, as well as brother, grandfather “Papa”, and great grandfather to his entire family, almost always putting their needs ahead of their own.

Owen is survived by two children: Tonya (Ken) Hagemeyer of Glendale, Arizona and Kevin (Paula) Webb of Wilmington; grandchildren: Dale Smith, Derek (Tiffany) Smith, Dustin Smith, Nicole (Michael) Moran, Lindsay Hagemeyer, Jordan Hagemeyer, Colin (Ashley) Webb, and Emily (Mike) Harrington; great grandchildren: Kendall, Kali, Kloe, Richie, Eli, Silas, and Spencer; brother, Ronald “Ed” Webb of Connecticut; sister: Mildred “Diane” Horath of Florida; and special friend, Louie Fox of Joliet.

Owen was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Mildred Webb; his wife, Peggy Webb; two children: Vonda Smith and infant son, Keith Webb; son-in-law, Gary Smith; and two brothers, Dale Webb and Joe Webb.

Cremation rites are being accorded, and the family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with Masonic Funeral Rites to take place at 7:00 p.m.

Owen will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood on Monday, March 6. 2023. Those wishing to attend are welcome to assemble at the funeral home on Monday morning beginning at 11:00 a.m. for a procession, which will depart at 11:30 a.m. Committal services with full military honors are scheduled at 12:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Owen’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Owen’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.