John Owen

Biography Mr. John R. Owen, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 at NHC-Lewisburg.

He was a native of South Fulton, Tn. He was married to the late Mary D. Owen and was the son of the late W.D. Owen and Ethel Russell Owen. He served as Superintendent of the University of Tennessee/United States Department of Agriculture Dairy Experiment Station in Lewisburg for 29 years. Mr. Owen's career in agriculture continued after his retirement as he grew Christmas trees and blackberries. He was an avid supporter of UT athletics and spent many wonderful Saturdays in Neyland Stadium supporting the Vols. He also enjoyed many fun rounds of golf, usually in the company of his family. Affectionately known as Papa John, he was at his happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren on one of his many family outings.

Mr. Owen was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lewisburg, past President of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, Paul Harris Fellow of the Lewisburg Rotary Club, 1974 Chairman of the Building Committee for the Marshall County Memorial Library, and a former member of the Lewisburg Kiwanis Club.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Ann Warren.

Mr. Owen is survived by two sons David (Susan) Owen of Knoxville, Bill (Angie) Owen of Lewisburg and one daughter Suzie (Phil) Comstock of Lewisburg.

Other survivors include one brother, Billie Owen of South Fulton, Tn and his seven beloved grandchildren Jay, Reid, and Caroline Owen, Kristen and Owen Comstock, Russ and Carlye Owen.

Funeral services for Mr. Owen will be Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of Bills-McGaugh Funeral Home with Mark Irvin officiating. Burial will take place in Lone Oak Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, March 12, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the Marshall County Memorial Library, Marshall County Scholarship Fund, and the U.S.O. (United Service Organizations).