Obituary of Frank McEwen, Jr.

Frank McEwen, Jr., affectionately known as Junior, age 79 of Joliet, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023 at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.  Junior was the youngest of 9. He was born in Chicago to the late Frank Sr. and Ossie McEwen on June 17, 1943 and attended Dunbar High School, Chicago.  Junior worked many jobs throughout his youth and began a career with Inland Steel Co. in East Chicago, IN and retired from 7up Bottling Company after 30 years of dedicated service. He lived all throughout the Chicago area starting out on the Southside in Gresham for 15 years before moving to Matteson for the next 15 years and moving on to Monee for 22 years before settling in Joliet.

He took great pride in always looking dapper. He will be remembered as a hardworking man of simple means who loved and adored his family. 

Junior is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Antoinette Ray McEwen; his loving and supportive son, Frank William (Shalonda) McEwen III; his sister, Ophelia Dorothy; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Ossie McEwen; his brothers, Tom, Edward and Samuel McEwen; and nephew, Michael Wilson.

A visitation for Frank McEwen Jr. will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, at 1:00 p.m. until the time of services at 2:00 p.m.  Rev. Herbert Brooks, Jr. officiating. As it was Frank’s wish, cremation rites will be accorded following his services. 

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute page where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence at www.fredcdames.com