As the day came to a close on Sept. 30, 2025, so did the life of Riley L. Owens III — beloved husband, father and five-term mayor of Centreville, Illinois.
A pillar of the community, Owens was a familiar face in the Two Lane Terrace neighborhood, where he lived with his family until his death. He was often seen biking through the streets or walking to his parents’ home for a morning cup of coffee.
Owens’ life was defined by public service. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership and devotion to the people of Centreville and the greater region.
“He was one of Centreville’s greatest leaders and a champion for the people,” said close friend and neighbor Marius “Mark” Jackson. “He was intelligent enough to know what to do and how to do it, and passionate about his work and for our people.”
A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning before serving in the U.S. Air Force. His first term as mayor marked the beginning of a lifetime of advocacy — he was a founding member of the National Conference of Black Mayors, underscoring his commitment to collaboration and urban development.
As mayor, Owens also encouraged others to lead. Jackson said Owens persuaded him to run for alderman.
“I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am today without him,” Jackson said. “I wasn’t thinking about politics, didn’t like it, but he was one in our community that everyone looked up to.”
Owens’ leadership extended beyond Centreville. He later chaired the East St. Louis Area Development Gateway Coordinating Council and served on the 50th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Commission, promoting justice and equality.
Among his many achievements, Owens was proud of his presidential appointments — first as a Selective Service System local board member for Illinois in 1999 and later as a district appeal board member in 2014. Over the years, he met with Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, reflecting the respect he earned across the political spectrum.
A lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Owens also served on the board of the Katherine Dunham Center for Arts and Humanities in East St. Louis. Away from public life, he found joy in creating — carving masks, flutes and other works that celebrated his African American heritage.
“He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues and the community he faithfully served,” Jackson said. “It was the small things that meant the most — being able to talk about anything, from sports and church to politics.”
the Meyer family gives their deepest sympothy to the entire Family of Riley Owens. I new Riley through my Dad Leonard Meyer (pass away 2020) who use to live in alorton. After my dad passing in 2020 I would talk/meet with Riley a few times a year about the property we lease to him for his billboard signs, he was always full of knowledge and so helpful answering all my questions. No doubt Riley will be greatly missed. if you need to contact me 6183633157
Riley was the Mayor while I served the residents of Midway Fire Protection District as the Fire Chief. Mayor Owens was very supportive, encouraging, and cooperitive.
His heart was with Centreville residents. Always searching for ways to improve living conditions. A Mayor for all the people.