Jesse C. Owens, affectionately known as “Mr. Piggy,” 82, of Champaign, Illinois, passed this life on Monday (March 18, 2019) at home, after a long illness.
Jesse was born Dec. 29, 1936 in Champaign, a son of the late Elmer and Gertrude Owens. He was one of four siblings. Jesse accepted Christ as a young man and was baptized by the Rev. Kilgore at the old Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesse attended and graduated from the Champaign school district. His career paths included driving for the Chicago Transit Authority and working at the Playboy Club Mansion in Chicago. When he moved back to Champaign he was employed at the PAR Residence Hall on the University of Illinois campus.
“Mr. Piggy” was well known and beloved in the community. His generosity and fun-loving nature touched many lives. Countless numbers of people throughout the years have enjoyed his annual birthday parties, boxing events and garage get-togethers. He cherished and was cherished by his friends at the American Legion Post 559, where he spent a good deal of time over the years.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Patricia Whitehead of Chicago; a son, Anthony Owens of Indiana; a son, Alexander “Nino” Heath; siblings, Billie Jean Stith and Alfred Owens of Champaign; nieces, Angela Taylor and Donna (Billy) Epps, both of Champaign; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A host of close friends and adopted family are included among those who will miss him greatly.
All in all, “Mr. Piggy” enjoyed being the life of the party, laughing and living life to the fullest. Those who remember him will do so with very fond memories and gratitude for being able to have him be a part of their lives. Those memories can never be taken away from our hearts.
News-Gazette, The (Champaign-Urbana, IL)
Jesse was born Dec. 29, 1936 in Champaign, a son of the late Elmer and Gertrude Owens. He was one of four siblings. Jesse accepted Christ as a young man and was baptized by the Rev. Kilgore at the old Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesse attended and graduated from the Champaign school district. His career paths included driving for the Chicago Transit Authority and working at the Playboy Club Mansion in Chicago. When he moved back to Champaign he was employed at the PAR Residence Hall on the University of Illinois campus.
“Mr. Piggy” was well known and beloved in the community. His generosity and fun-loving nature touched many lives. Countless numbers of people throughout the years have enjoyed his annual birthday parties, boxing events and garage get-togethers. He cherished and was cherished by his friends at the American Legion Post 559, where he spent a good deal of time over the years.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Patricia Whitehead of Chicago; a son, Anthony Owens of Indiana; a son, Alexander “Nino” Heath; siblings, Billie Jean Stith and Alfred Owens of Champaign; nieces, Angela Taylor and Donna (Billy) Epps, both of Champaign; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A host of close friends and adopted family are included among those who will miss him greatly.
All in all, “Mr. Piggy” enjoyed being the life of the party, laughing and living life to the fullest. Those who remember him will do so with very fond memories and gratitude for being able to have him be a part of their lives. Those memories can never be taken away from our hearts.
News-Gazette, The (Champaign-Urbana, IL)
Jesse C. Owens, affectionately known as “Mr. Piggy,” 82, of Champaign, Illinois, passed this life on Monday (March 18, 2019) at home, after a long illness.
Jesse was born Dec. 29, 1936 in Champaign, a son of the late Elmer and Gertrude Owens. He was one of four siblings. Jesse accepted Christ as a young man and was baptized by the Rev. Kilgore at the old Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesse attended and graduated from the Champaign school district. His career paths included driving for the Chicago Transit Authority and working at the Playboy Club Mansion in Chicago. When he moved back to Champaign he was employed at the PAR Residence Hall on the University of Illinois campus.
“Mr. Piggy” was well known and beloved in the community. His generosity and fun-loving nature touched many lives. Countless numbers of people throughout the years have enjoyed his annual birthday parties, boxing events and garage get-togethers. He cherished and was cherished by his friends at the American Legion Post 559, where he spent a good deal of time over the years.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Patricia Whitehead of Chicago; a son, Anthony Owens of Indiana; a son, Alexander “Nino” Heath; siblings, Billie Jean Stith and Alfred Owens of Champaign; nieces, Angela Taylor and Donna (Billy) Epps, both of Champaign; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A host of close friends and adopted family are included among those who will miss him greatly.
All in all, “Mr. Piggy” enjoyed being the life of the party, laughing and living life to the fullest. Those who remember him will do so with very fond memories and gratitude for being able to have him be a part of their lives. Those memories can never be taken away from our hearts.
News-Gazette, The (Champaign-Urbana, IL)
Jesse was born Dec. 29, 1936 in Champaign, a son of the late Elmer and Gertrude Owens. He was one of four siblings. Jesse accepted Christ as a young man and was baptized by the Rev. Kilgore at the old Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church.
Jesse attended and graduated from the Champaign school district. His career paths included driving for the Chicago Transit Authority and working at the Playboy Club Mansion in Chicago. When he moved back to Champaign he was employed at the PAR Residence Hall on the University of Illinois campus.
“Mr. Piggy” was well known and beloved in the community. His generosity and fun-loving nature touched many lives. Countless numbers of people throughout the years have enjoyed his annual birthday parties, boxing events and garage get-togethers. He cherished and was cherished by his friends at the American Legion Post 559, where he spent a good deal of time over the years.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Patricia Whitehead of Chicago; a son, Anthony Owens of Indiana; a son, Alexander “Nino” Heath; siblings, Billie Jean Stith and Alfred Owens of Champaign; nieces, Angela Taylor and Donna (Billy) Epps, both of Champaign; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A host of close friends and adopted family are included among those who will miss him greatly.
All in all, “Mr. Piggy” enjoyed being the life of the party, laughing and living life to the fullest. Those who remember him will do so with very fond memories and gratitude for being able to have him be a part of their lives. Those memories can never be taken away from our hearts.
News-Gazette, The (Champaign-Urbana, IL)
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