MICHAEL OWEN

MICHAEL EUGENE OWEN Michael Eugene Owen, 77, died peacefully in his recliner on June 18 at Good Samaritan Society long-term care facility, Olathe. He was born on May 27, 1947, to Thurman Eugene and Dorothy May (Eirls) Owen at Bothwell Hospital, Sedalia, Mo. He is survived by Margo Campsey-Owen, Overland Park, his brother Keith Owen, Leavenworth and 16 grandchildren. He was predeceased by wife Virginia (Jan) Lowe Owen, daughter Elizabeth Owen Lopez and son James Owen. A 1965 graduate of Sedalia Smith-Cotton High School, Mike joined the Navy a few days before turning 18. He served as a machinist's mate for three years on destroyers supporting troops in Vietnam. Mike worked in various careers: die reamer, restaurant and convenience store management, farmer, carpenter, cabinet maker, woodworking instructor, plumber and government contract enforcement. He retired after more than 30 years as a civil service employee at Fort Leavenworth. After retiring, he and Margo acquired a motor home, becoming winter Texans in Mission, Texas. He belonged to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mike was a devoted member of Barbershop Harmony Society where memorial donations can be sent. He loved being on stage and sang baritone for many years with Leavenworth quartet Escape! and a short time with McAllen quartet Texas Gold, and three choruses: the Cody Choraliers of Leavenworth, Heart of America, Kansas City and Men Of A Chord, McAllen, Texas. Mike's ashes will be spread at Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto, Ky., where his ambassador number will be retired. His celebration of life will be from 2 - 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 at Leavenworth Veterans of Foreign Wars, 519 Cherokee.