Francis "Fritz" D. Owens

ZIRCONIA--Francis D. Owens, "Fritz", age 79, died Sunday, December 22, 2013 in Flat Rock, NC. He was born on July 15, 1934 and was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Fritz started playing the piano at age 3. This began his lifelong passion for the musical arts. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1952, majoring in music. After graduation, he played commercially for 35 years, 25 of them in New Orleans, most notably as featured solo pianist at the Al Hirt Club. However, his true calling was teaching. Over forty years, he taught hundreds of students to play The Owens Way with his father's "Magic Method". His patience, his genuine passion for music and his natural teaching ability were treasured by all. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Lynne Gardiner Owens of Zirconia, NC and their children: Anne Thacker and her husband Max Thacker of South Bend, Indiana, Melanie Schilling of New Orleans, La, Helen Achord and her husband Wyatt Achord of Livingston, La, Nonnie T. Chrystal and her husband Mark Baker of Indian Harbor Beach, FL, and Melody Eustis and her husband Tommy Eustis, Jr. of Arden, NC, and grandchildren: Christopher Schilling of New Orleans, Brittney and Michael Edmonson,Jr. of Baton Rouge,La, and Miles and Beckett Eustis of Arden, NC.
In keeping with the wishes of Fritz Owens, there will be no funeral services. His last selfless act in this world was to donate his body to science for the benefit of mankind.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at The Elizabeth House and Four Seasons Hospice for their loving care of the entire family during this trying time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Fritz Owens to Four Seasons, 571 South Allen Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731.