Cecil James Owens, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City. He was born December 20, 1929 in Alamo, Georgia, to the late James Hither and Lula Bell (White) Owens. Cecil graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1949. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. Cecil and his cousin Felton, moved to Illinois to attend Technical School for air conditioning repair. He met Victoria Ruscio on a blind date, and they later married in Chicago on November 6, 1954. Cecil loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky; their children, Larry (Debbie) Owens of Sauk City, Theresa (Steve) Kohlman of Prairie du Sac, and Tom Owens of Plain; grandchildren, Jackie (Josh) Wescott, Dr. Christine (Dr.Dustin Lochner) Kohlman, Chris (Steph) Owens, Nicole Kohlman-Brice, Amanda (Mike Spencer) Kohlman, John Kohlman, and Raegan and Preston Owens; great-grandchildren, Kathryn, Nicholas and Isaac Wescott, Hayden Brice, and Leigh Owens; brothers, Louie "Doot" (Cherry), Eugene "Buddy" (Myrtice), and Willard (Shirley). He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Cecil was preceded in death by his brothers, Preston, Lemmie, and Tony; and sisters, Hazel Owens and Eunice Amerson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 19, 2011 at 11:00am at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, S10174 Cty Hwy C, Black Hawk, with Pastor Kendall Schlittler officiating. Burial, with military rites conducted by Lachmund-Cramer V.F.W. Post 7694, will follow in Black Hawk Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, Sauk City, and one hour prior to the service at the church.