Spencer “Owen” Dye, 94, of Highland, IL passed away Sunday April 27, 2025, at home surround by loved ones and will be laid to rest on Monday May 5, 2025, his 95th birthday.
Owen was born on May 5, 1930, in Cisne, IL, to Silas and Stella (nee Miller) Dye. On December 22, 1957, he married Ethel Mae Abner. Ethel proceeded him in death in 1975. Owen married Barbara Phillips Boemler in 1990, in Florissant, MO. Barbara proceeded him in death in 1999.
Owen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Highland, IL. He grew up on a farm in Southern Illinois and enjoyed doing mechanical work, especially working on cars. Quail hunting was a favorite pastime and his sister’s farm in Enfield, IL was his favorite hunting ground. After service in the Air Force, Owen earned a mechanical engineering degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Owen moved his family to Highland to work for Alton Box Board and later while working at Carter Carburetor he was awarded numerous patents. Owen was an avid reader, and he enjoyed theatre and ballroom dancing.
Owen was proceeded in death by his parents, Silas and Stella Dye, first wife, Ethel Mae Abner, second wife, Barbara Phillips Boemler, sister Reba Ruth Phillips, brothers Cloyd Curtis Dye (in infancy), Lee Dye, brother-in-law Robert Phillips and sister-in-law Lois Dye.
He is survived by his children Keith (Jennielyn) Dye, Montague, NJ, Janet (Rodney) Miller, Highland, IL, Michael (Vicky) Dye, Evansville, IN and Brad (Debra) Dye, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Christopher (Nicole) Dye, Daniel (fiancé Crystal Lo) Dye, Ashley (Christopher) Bromfield, Matthew (Mindy) Miller, Fiona Dye, Ezra Dye, Lukas Dye, Chad (Katie) Dye and great grandchildren Violet Dye, David Bromfield, Reece & Elliott Miller and Caroline, Logan and Savannah Dye.
Visitation: Monday May 5, 2025, 12:00pm to 2:00pm, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, Geff, IL
Service: Monday May 5, 2025, 2:00pm, at Pleasant Grove Christian Church, Geff, IL
Burial: Pleasant Grove Christian Church Cemetery, Geff, IL
Meredith Funeral Home, Highland, IL & Cisne, IL
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