United Way of Eastern La Salle County is dedicating its 18th annual Labor of Love home repair program, Saturday, Oct. 3, in memory of Joseph Feagans. Feagans, long-time friend of Labor of Love and an Ottawa business owner, passed away July 8. Feagans was 65 years of age.

"Joe was an important part of Labor of Love and its history," reflected Shelli Ocepek, United Way"s executive director. Joe and his wife Betsy first lent their support in 1997, volunteering as part of the First Presbyterian Church Labor of Love work team. In 1999, Joe stepped forward into a leadership role, volunteering as House Captain, and then in 2001, both he and Betsy joined Labor of Love"s Planning Board. For over a decade, Joe, Betsy and members of First Presbyterian Church have adopted Labor of Love homes and together, working tirelessly, they have been responsible for dramatically improving the living environment and spirits of elderly and low-income homeowners. Joe"s absence will be felt by so many of us at this Saturday"s Labor of Love, especially by those who have worked along side of him through dozens of projects to help homeowners in need. Together, with Betsy, Labor of Love will celebrate Joe, his undeniable commitment to Labor of Love and his never-ending spirit of giving."

Feagans captained First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa home repair work teams at three different home sites from 1999 to 2001, and co-captained two additional homes with Dick Sellers in 2006 and 2007. He served as a Labor of Love board member from 2001 to 2008, responsible for home previews and home selection.

"It is an honor to dedicate this year"s Labor of Love in memory of Joe Feagans," said Bob Wilkie, Labor of Love co-chair and fellow board member. "Joe was an amazing friend and Labor of Love leader. He demonstrated deep caring for the homeowners, and unique insight into fostering a supportive experience for the volunteers. Calm, thoughtful, detailed and decisive; Joe put his leadership skills to use throughout the program. His enthusiasm for Labor of Love was infectious and his hard work and tireless energy an inspiration to all of us who had the privilege to know him."

Betsy Feagans will join fellow members of First Presbyterian Church to adopt a Labor of Love home Saturday. They will tackle a home owned by a single mother of two. Their project goals, under the leadership of Roy Peters and Dick Sellers, include painting, door and porch repairs, trim work, weatherization and floor reinforcement. No doubt Joe Feagans will be on their minds.