Jack Edward Owens
Devout Christian, husband, father, WWII Army Air Corp, man and a friend to all, Jack passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 17th. His strength was always his strong faith and walking with God. Jack never shied away from sharing his devotion to his Heavenly Father.
Jack was born March 10, 1923 to Sylvia and Carl Owens in Dover, Ohio. When he was a baby, the family moved to Franklin, Penn. Jack attended Franklin High School, playing 4 years of varsity football. WWII broke out and upon graduation, Jack enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was the top turret gunner and flight engineer on a B-17 Flying Fortress, and flew 33 combat missions over Germany during WWII. Jack always said he learned to pray during one of the battles flying over Nuremburg.
Jack met his bride-to-be on a furlough. Upon discharge, he married Mary Louise Evans on January 1, 1946. Later that year, they came to Oregon to visit Mary Lou's twin brother, Ken Evans, and they decided to stay. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 72 years. Jack would always beam when he said, "she was the apple of my eye, the love of my life!" Mary Lou predeceased him in 2017. Jack and Mary Lou raised two children, Pamela (Pam) and Judson (Judd). Jack loved singing together, taking his family on fishing and camping trips, golf outings, vacations to Pennsylvania, and above all, raising his family in the way of the Lord.
Jack worked for Freightliner for 30 years where he was a supervisor of materials handling upon his retirement. He also had his own window tinting business for 10 years.
Evangelism was Jack's gift. He loved sharing his faith in Jesus with everyone he met. Throughout his life Jack started many bible study and prayer groups. Among the most notable were the Freightliner, Bob's Red Mill and Elmer's Men bible studies. He also led bible and prayer study sessions in his home over the years. Jack loved these times together sharing the word of God. Jack, with his family, attended Milwaukie Baptist Church, now Grace Pointe, from 1962 until he passed.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Pam Owens; nephews, David, Randy, Mike, and Roger Owens; and grandchildren, Angela and Christopher Owens. Also significant in his life were Roy Wilson, Ken Buckles, and John Clarke, who he considered as surrogate sons.
A celebration of life will be held December 14 at Grace Pointe Church.
