OWEN, MAJOR JOSEPH H - of Knoxville passed away Monday March 3, 2008. Retired from the US Army with 26 years of service, a veteran of WWII and the Korean War. Mr. Owen worked for Sears and Roebuck for 20 years. Proceeded in death by parents, Benjamin Owen and Ida Ogle Owen of Cleveland, Tennessee. Survived by "beloved friend," Charlotte Cherry of Knoxville; sons, Steve, Bruce, and Jeff Owen of Knoxville; grandchildren, Josh, Seth, Lucas, Gabriel, Justin, Brad, Corban, Amanda Owen, and Jessica Owen Tate; 10 great grandchildren.
Grandfather Owen (or “Chief” as Seth called him) was a good man. I was thinking this morning about how much he impacted my life. I am sure he didn’t realize how much his life shaped mine. His service in the Army was profound. He served in WWII and the Korea war. No one can document what he went through because he did not share a lot of war stories. They held tough memories for him. Still, he was proud that he had been in the Army. He passed on that desire to serve our country to my husband. Seth chose to go into ROTC in college and to become an Army officer. Upon graduation, Chief commissioned Seth into the Army. It was a proud moment for both of them. It was something that I will never forget. (I wish my scanner was working so I could scan in a picture of the event.) Throughout the 10 years that Seth was in the Army, no one was more proud of him than Chief. He was a man of few words. He surprised Seth a few times by writing letters expressing his pride and gratitude. He would come for a visit whenever Seth was back in town. Often he would begin to talk about the Army and share stories with Seth that he had never shared with anyone before. They shared a common experience of being Army men. They shared a special love because of that. I am thankful for Chief and the influence he had on my husband. I am thankful for how the Army years shaped my husband. I am thankful for how they shaped me. I am a better person because of the strength I gained being an Army wife. I am thankful for Chief’s strength. I am thankful for him.
Come back later for my Thursday Thanks tank.
5 comments:
Seth & Jane Anne,
Our deepest sympathy for your loss of your grandfather. That is a very moving tribute you wrote, Jane Anne. Thank you for sharing!
love,
Carrie
Seth and Jane Anne,
Just wanted to let you guys know that I am praying for you!
LOVE YOU LOTS,
Amalie
Seth and Jane Anne~
I extend my sympathy as well for the loss of what you so eloquently described as a dear, dear man. May the Lord ease your sorrow with His peace.
No need for a thanks tank, JA, this was a tank full already!
Prayers going up for all of you.
Jane Anne and Seth,
Thank you for writing this tribute. It brought tears to my eyes and I never met "Chief". My condolences, prayers, and love.
Amy
I also have tears in my eyes. We are so sorry for your loss. We will continue to lift your family up in prayer. Much love to you!
Post a Comment