Obituary: Gordon Jack Owens Sr.

Gordon Jack Owens Sr., 90, of Spring Valley, Ariz., passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 9, 2013, with his wife, Betty, stepson Robert Powell and step-daughter-in-law Ellen at his side during his last weeks.

Jack was born on Nov. 23, 1922, in Phoenix to Walter McKinley (Mac) and Mary Viola Owens. He graduated from Kyrene Elementary School and Tempe High School. Jack was proud to be a Future Farmer of America during his high school years and received the Star State Farmer award for his Jersey cows. He was also one of the original members of the Tempe Union High School FFA Chapters. Jack resided in the Kyrene/Tempe area for 68 years before moving to Spring Valley.

Jack was a WWII Navy veteran who served on the USS Cortland and was extremely proud to serve his country. He retired from International Harvester Proving Grounds after 32 years as a head mechanic. He was also a very active member of the Lions Club in Mayer, Ariz.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; sister Jane; and wife of 38 years Flora Petersen Owens. He is survived by his wife Betty of 31 years; sisters Elizabeth Painter of Spring Valley and Charlotte Easter (Jim) of Coyote Springs, Ariz.; daughter Mary Bowers (Jerry) of Surprise, Ariz.; sons Jack Jr. (Bobbie Jo) of Salome, Ariz., and Bob and Jim of Gilbert, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; stepson Rob Powell (Ellen) of Phoenix, Ariz.; four step-granddaughters; and nine step-great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Bayada Home Health, Hospice of the Pines, and Robert and Ellen Powell for their loving care for Jack during his last month.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, at American Legion Post 78 in Humboldt, Ariz.

Information provided by survivors.


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