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Owen McMasters Obituary
16, passed away Monday, Feb. 15 at home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous four-year battle with leukemia.
Born in Louisville, Owen was a graduate of Kenwood Station Elementary and South Oldham Middle School. He was a member of the Trinity High School Class of 2017, where he was a recipient of the Monsignor Alfred W. Steinhauser Scholarship.
He is survived by his parents, Dr. Kelly and Beth McMasters; brothers Austin and Steven; grandmother, Ruth Hendrickson; uncles and aunts Dina King, Michele and Kenny McMasters; Paula Barry (Louis); Jimmy (Donna), Rich (Tammi), Rob and Freddie Hendrickson; a host of cousins, great uncles and aunts; dearest other mother Molly King Lusk, and his Trinity High School brothers. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Janet Conte, grandfathers Jim Hendrickson and Walter McMasters, and his namesake and great uncle Father Fred Hendrickson. He is also survived by his courageous bone marrow donor, Suzy Marino of Santa Clarita, CA.
Owen had a brilliant mind, a quick wit, a heart of gold, and the reputation as the smartest person in the room--any room. His sarcasm and sense of humor beyond his years were legendary. He was an avid and skilled gamer, loved snowboarding, tennis and basketball. He became a shrewd poker player at a very young age, frequently to the embarrassment of older, more experienced players. Above all, he loved spending time with his older brothers, his many friends, and his canine companions. Chronicled on Facebook since November 2011, thousands of people have been inspired by Owen's courage and indomitable spirit. He never complained. He never wavered. He never gave up hope.
Owen and his parents were tireless in their support for children's hospitals and a cure for leukemia. Owen's Make-A-Wish Foundation wish was to stop the critical shortage of chemotherapy drugs so they would be available to all patients who need them. His wish went viral, gained national media attention, and proved successful for thousands of cancer patients. Owen was the honoree and speaker for the Bourbon and Bowties fundraiser for Kosair Children's Hospital, keynote speaker at the annual Snow Ball fundraiser, featured speaker at the Northwestern Mutual National Sales Meeting, and spoke on numerous other occasions to help generate support for pediatric cancer patients and help find a cure for leukemia. Owen and his family supported and promoted Sharing America's Marrow (sharingamericasmarrow.com), a local movement that spread nationally to register 50,000 people as potential bone marrow donors.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and staff at Kosair Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and the nurses and doctors at Norton Cancer Institute--in particular nurses Tracy and Becky, who made it possible to keep Owen at home the past three weeks by bringing blood products to him. Special thanks as well to the many people who donated blood and platelets for Owen, and to Hosparus of Louisville and the Louisville Red Cross.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Kosair Children's Hospital to support the 7W Pediatric Oncology Unit and the University of Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center to support cancer research. The family also asks that you donate blood and platelets, and please register to be a bone marrow donor (deletebloodcancer.org or bethematch.org). You could save a life.
Visitation will be at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East Louisville, 12900 Shelbyville Road, Middletown, KY 40243 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 17, and 9 a.m. to noon Thurs., Feb. 18, with funeral services to follow at 1 p.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 212 Mt. Mercy Drive, Pewee Valley, KY 40056. Burial will be Friday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, 5075 St. Highway 551, Clementsville, KY 42539.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Owen McMasters
March 3, 2016
Dear Kelly & Beth-
We just found out the sad news of Owens passing. We will keep you and Owen in our prayers. May God be with you and give you strength and comfort.
Regards -Kai-
Bud & Julie Rouse
Chattanooga,TN
Laura Smith
February 25, 2016
We were so very sorry to learn of your son Owen's passing. The world is a better place for having him in it.
Laura and Denny Smith. Crestwood KY
February 24, 2016
Dr. McMasters and Beth, my deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with you. I met Owen at a physician Christmas dinner. He was a fine young man and as noted much more. I lost my mother to leukemia and the search for a cure continues. Marty Brewer(former OR Director U of L Hospital
Karen Hollman
February 23, 2016
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.
Kim Sandlin
February 21, 2016
Your family will be in my daily prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. McMasters gave me four years with my father that I would not have had.
Rita Strader
February 21, 2016
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
February 20, 2016
My sincerest condolescences to the McMasters family in the loss of your son. He has made such a positive impact on so many people in his 16 years. Thank you for sharing him with us. May God bless you during this difficult time as you all grief for Owen. 2015 Trinity Family
Teresa Flynn
February 20, 2016
Kelly and Beth,
Deep and profound sadness over the loss of your beautiful son, Owen.
Cliff Tatum
February 20, 2016
Kelly and family:
I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss
I'm sure there could be nothing harder than losing your child.
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time
Lisa Dreher
February 20, 2016
Dr. McMasters, I just have to thank you for your words... I didn't know Owen even though I feel like I did.... You were my doctor during breast cancer.... Your love for the Lord is amazing... I pray that you and Beth and the boys can find some peace and that Jesus surrounds you with His angels and love... Your words are a true testimony to the world regarding Owen... My heart aches for you... Yet rejoices for the words you shared... Cancer is a terrible beast and I hope one day there will be a cure... Rest easy Owen... Take car Doc.... I think of you often and tell everyone one a great doc you are and clearly God is using you as an instrument not only to your patents but to many who read your words of sadness, memories, and yes Hope...
G & N Daugherty
February 20, 2016
Dr. McMasters & Family,
Please accept our condolences in the loss of Owen. By all means grieve because grief is the price we pay for loving. In the words of Zig Ziglar...if there were no love, there would be no grief. Owen was and is loved and we know you will weep but joy & pain can coexist. God bless all of you as you rely on his comfort, peace, & healing.
In love & appreciation.
George & Nancy Daugherty
Elizabeth Hahn
February 19, 2016
Dear Beth and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies go out to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
T Claypool
February 19, 2016
Dr McMasters,
Sincere condolences to you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing your son touched many lives and he will not be forgotten. Prayers to you all.
Jeff and Donna Gershenwald
February 19, 2016
Kelly and Beth and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. While I was not fortunate enough to spend much time with Owen, I still vividly recall and often reflect on how impressively poised and mature he was a few years ago on CNN advocating for himself and others with the two of you at his side during such a time of need. As we learned a bit more about Owen through this legacy, it is heartening to know that if intelligence, humor, poise, and sarcasm were among his many traits, he's no doubt a "McMasters"! Although his years were far too few, it is so very clear that he has been -- and will continue to be --- and inspiration for the myriad people he has touched.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Ian and Sue Windmill
February 19, 2016
Kelly - Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. So very sorry to hear of your son's passing.
Wanda Whitworth
February 19, 2016
I was so sorry to hear about Owen's passing. What a brave young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joan and Mel Pedigo
February 19, 2016
It made us so very sad to read about the loss of your son, Owen. Such a promising life...just heartbreaking. When we lost our 3 year old in 1961, we were sure that leukemia would be totally wiped out by now. Just know that other parents are grieving with you and will be forever.
Rachel Ramirez
February 19, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. McMasters. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your son was obviously an angel on loan whose wings grew way too fast. May the Lord's love and grace hold and sustain you now.
Becky & Gary Campion
February 19, 2016
Dear McMasters family - I realize words cannot erase your pain but please realize that you are in our prayers and thoughts. Owen was very special and a true inspiration.
Beverly Sellers
February 19, 2016
Very sorry for your loss Dr. McMasters.
UL HIM have you & your family in our prayers.
Melissa Walton-Shirley
February 18, 2016
To the McMasters family: Condolences from Gallatin Tennessee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and celebration of life. Most sincerely, Melissa Walton-Shirley MD and the Stanley Walton family of Hardyville Ky.
Megan Hill
February 18, 2016
Owen had an incredible personality and could make me laugh like no one else. I loved all the time I got to spend with him and am grateful I got to know a person like him. My thoughts and prayers are with the McMasters family in this horribly difficult time. He will be missed.
Vickie Topping RN
February 18, 2016
To the McMasters family my prayers are with today and in the many days to come in am sorry for your loss my heart breaks for you all.
February 18, 2016
Dr McMasters so sorry to hear about your son. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Russell Berman
February 18, 2016
To Kelly, Beth, and all of Owen's family and friends. Words cannot begin to express the sorrow that my family and i feel at the news of your loss. We have followed Owen's inspirational activities and accomplishments during his battle with cancer and he has had such a tremendous impact on this world-- even if only for 16 years.
Please know how much your friends and colleagues care about you and we will always be there for you. Please do not hesitate to call on me and my family in any and all ways.
With love, Russell and Susan Berman
Rich & Teresa Mueller
February 18, 2016
Kelly & Beth, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.
February 18, 2016
Many prayers to all of Owen's family and friends.
Sincerely,
Jennifer & Brad Washle
February 18, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss, it is never easy to lose a child. My heart goes out to you and your family. Marlene Cooper-BCC.
Dr. Larry and Cara Griffin
February 18, 2016
Kelly and Beth, You will be in all our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Dana Harvey
February 18, 2016
Very sorry for your loss; I remember when Owen was born. Keep your faith. I'm praying for your strength.
Michele Harr
February 18, 2016
My heart goes out to the family (my neighbors) for the loss of the mischievous little boy who used to tag along with his brothers to find trouble in the basement or back yard with my own boys.
February 18, 2016
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa, Don and Ava Cherry
February 17, 2016
We will forever and always light a candle each year, in memory of Owen because we know what a brilliant light Owen was and how he inspired those around him. Also in honor of his loving brothers who will carry the torch in their lives and do great things in honor of the brother they loved. It's truly amazing the impact this one loving family has had on the lives of others and will continue to have in the years to come. We hope you will allow others to support and comfort you during your time of need as you lean on God and each other for strength.
Doralyn Simmington
February 17, 2016
I'm very sorry for your loss. What a fine looking young man. God be with you through your pain... Remember heavens gain...
Jennifer Deacon
February 17, 2016
To the McMasters,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. May your memories give you comfort and strength to help guide you through.
Ron and Barbara Scheler
February 17, 2016
Dear McMaster family, I did not have the pleasure or honor of knowing Owen personally. But I felt I knew him through Ruth, his grandmother, and Matt and Allison Williams, our daughter. May God give you the strength to get through this painful and difficult time. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Koerner
February 17, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful young man. You all are in my prayers.
Jan Williams
February 17, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Gregory
February 17, 2016
DR.McMasters & Beth ,My Heart Weighs So Heavy With Sorrow For You And Your Family..I Only Had The Honor In Knowing Him Through Kosair Children's Hospital When at Work .. Never The Less I Knew Of His Cancer And Thought Of Him Often And Prayed For Him On A Regular Basis Along With The Rest Of Our Children.. He Was One Special Young Man,And Will Be A Very Intelligent Angel In Heaven !! May The Lord Bless You And Your Family And Give You All The Strength To Make It Through These Next Days,Weeks,Months... And May God Bless You All !!!
February 17, 2016
Your family is in our prayers.
Pam - Kentucky Cancer Program, UofL
Lila McCauley Gehrke
February 17, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my prayers.
Frank Mascagni III
February 17, 2016
Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. It was my pleasure to know Owen and share "man to man conversations" with one another. My last visit with him was on February 3rd and once again, Owen was witty and engaging, never complaining. What a special young man. My heart goes out to the family. He had incredible love and support from Beth and Kelly, his two brothers and his whole family. May you draw comfort from all the wonderful memories.
Frank and Theresa Mascagni and Christian and our entire family
LINDA STASTNY
February 17, 2016
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.OWEN WAS IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY.
Ozan Akca
February 17, 2016
So sorry to hear the saddest news. You've been in our thoughts, and you will be in our thoughts. Please accept our condolences.
Lale & Ozan Akca
February 17, 2016
Dear McMasters Family,
Our prayers are with you all. We did not know Owen personally but we knew him through all he did in this community and at Trinity. What a courageous and inspiring child! May God wrap you all in his peace today and in the days to come.
With love, A Shamrock Family
February 17, 2016
I didn't know this wonderful young man, however, my prayers are with his family and God bless and keep you always.
Bruce & Kris Laufer
February 17, 2016
Ruth and Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sharlene Dillander
February 17, 2016
Unfortunately, I didn't know Owen personally, but I've heard so many good things about him. My heart hurts for your family. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Diane & Tom Sehlinger
February 17, 2016
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Patti Scott
February 17, 2016
My prayers are with your family.Never meet Owen but felt as if i knew him from all of your posts.Beth I love you and will pray for you and your family.
Rhonda Royal
February 17, 2016
To the McMasters Family, we send our deepest condolences to you all...Owen was a remarkable young man and you were all blessed to have him in your life. He will always shine in your hearts ..God Bless you all and may you find comfort and peace in Gods love...Sincerely
Grady Stephens
February 17, 2016
Kelly and Beth I am so sorry to hear this. If I can help you in anyway just let me know. You and your family will be in my prayers. May our Lord Jesus Christ give you comfort and peace during and after this most difficult time.
Swope Munday
February 17, 2016
Praying for you.
gene @ chrissie conte
February 17, 2016
so sorry for your lost. we will always remember owen in our hearts.
Terri Hainline
February 17, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harry McMasters
February 17, 2016
Kelly and Beth,
Deepest sympathy for your loss. We'll remember all of you in our prayers.
Love,
Uncle Harry and Aunt Isabella
Lois Inlow
February 17, 2016
May Owen's light continue to shine bright and guide us to find a cure! Sending prayers to you and your family.
Cindy Diaz
February 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss, Owen will remain in our hearts always . With love the Diaz family
Anna Barnes
February 16, 2016
Dr. McMasters and Family,
My Prayers and Thoughts are with you and your family. Owen's courage, strength, and love gives hope to others. God has a wonderful, witty, and smart angel on His team. I am glad he is on my side! Family, keep holding on to God's hand. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Steve Naiser
February 16, 2016
Kelly and Beth - you and your family have my deepest sympathies. May God give you peace
Kevin Harris
February 16, 2016
To the entire McMasters family - you have our family's deepest sympathy and hope you find strength through God in this time of sorrow.
Angela Sturges
February 16, 2016
So sorry you lost your dear son. He looks and sounds like such a great, good boy.
Debbie Richter
February 16, 2016
Dr. McMasters,
I am so sad to hear the news about your son (and brother) Owen. I am praying for you and your family.
Debbie Richter
Bryan and Peggy Loy
February 16, 2016
Dr. McMasters,
Our very deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Yolanda Long
February 16, 2016
Sorry for your loss, he will be missed.
Diana Howard
February 16, 2016
Kelly and Beth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heaven gained a special angel.
Suzi Criscoe
February 16, 2016
Owen will truly be a light in Heaven. God Speed Sweet Guy
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