Dennis Nowell

Dennis G. Nowell, 72, formerly of Mt. Olive IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in St. Louis.  He was born in Portageville, MO on October 24, 1950, the son of Thomas and Roberta (DeRousse) Nowell.  He married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Knes, in Mt. Olive on June 6, 1970, and she preceded him in death on April 18, 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Nowell, his daughter, Terri Nowell (Steve Jansen),  grandchildren Eli Jansen and Grace Jansen, siblings: Thomas (Karen) Nowell, Jan (Fred) Straub, Ronald (Sue) Nowell, Louis Nowell and Marilyn (Randy) Moss; stepsons Tim (Joan) Crawford and Matt Crawford; special grandchildren Lauren Jansen Mills and Drew Jansen , and Weston, Edison and Lincoln Crawford; brothers-in-law Ed (Alma) Knes, Don Mathenia and Phil (Sheryl) Forbeck as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and wife Sharon.  In addition, he was preceded in death by a beloved daughter, Kimberly,  parents-in-law, Lawrence and Shirley Knes, a sister, Rosetta Mathenia, and a sister-in-law Sue (Meyer) Nowell.

Dennis spent his early childhood years in Granite City before the family moved to Mt. Olive where he graduated high school and then lived most of his life.  He worked in various manufacturing management roles throughout his career, including Fiat-Allis and Dana Brake Parts.  He was a consummate handyman and his daughter touted in her youth that  “My Dad can fix anything!”  His country property provided many years of enjoyment including hunting and fishing, along with countless opportunities to build and fix things.  He was extremely generous with his time and skills, always lending a hand when needed.  His kind heart and good nature were loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He met Paulette Crawford in 2014, and they married on September 24, 2016.  In recent years, Dennis was blessed with two grandchildren who absolutely adored him, and vice versa.  He will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 from 6-8 p.m. at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive, IL. A second visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Olive, IL from 10 a.m. -11 a.m. Services will begin at 11 a.m. Pastor Wayland Middendorf will officiate. Interment will take place at the Mt. Olive City Cemetery. Lunch will be served immediately following at Zion Lutheran Church Hall 

Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Olive City Cemetery, Zion Lutheran Church and the Alzheimer's Association.

Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at beckerandson.com.

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