CAPT Norman K. Owens, MSC, USN, Ret.

CAPT Norman K. Owens, MSC, USN, Ret., 1933 - 2025, of Alpharetta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on 17 September 2025.

Norm was born in South Gibson, Pennsylvania to Caroline (nee Short) and Francis Owens. Following graduation from Harford High School, Harford, Pennsylvania, Norm enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951. Earning a commission in the Medical Service Corps in 1962, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at George Washington University in 1969 and a master's degree in financial management from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1970.

He married Jacklyn (Jackie) Lucy Gale in 1954 and together they raised six children during their 62-year marriage: Linda, Penny, Norman, Daniel, Douglas, and Kathryn.

After 35 years of military service, Norm retired in 1986 as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan. During his career he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in 1972, the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal in 1982, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1984. Upon his retirement, he relocated with his family to Hughesville, Pennsylvania, whereupon he took up farming, woodworking, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Throughout, his wife, Jackie (fondly referred to by at least one of her sons-in-law as Admiral Jack), stood by his side through many moves, many challenges, and many joyful years.

In 2002, Norm and Jackie relocated to Georgia to be closer to their sons Daniel and Douglas. They very much enjoyed their lives in Georgia until Jackie's passing in 2016.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) was a cornerstone of Norm's life. His faith brought him great joy and comfort. After Jackie's passing, he married fellow LDS member Marilyn Niermann in 2018. One of his favorite church callings was teaching Sunday School to the 4-5 year olds with Marilyn. The kids touched his heart. Until Marilyn's passing in January 2025, Norm and Marilyn traveled all over the United States, Europe, and beyond, enjoying many cultures and great adventures.

Norm is survived by his children: Linda Owens (John McLean), Penny Jacobs (Curtis), Norman Owens Jr. (Dawn), Daniel Owens (Michele), Douglas Owens (Erin), and Kathryn Gallo; his grandchildren: Thomas (T.J.) Johnson, Sawyer Johnson, Kimberly Hatcher Oliver (Gerald), David Jacobs, Ciera Shields (Christopher), Christopher Owens, Sean Owens, Madison Owens, Lucy Gallo, and Samuel Gallo; and his great-grandchildren: Joshua Oliver, Carys Oliver, Olivia Shields, and Maren Johnson.

Norm was a humble man of integrity who was well loved, kind, and an especially great dad, granddad, and great-grandad. He had a lively mind and was curious about pretty much everything throughout his life - asking questions, exploring new ideas, reading a wide variety of books, and wanting to know how things worked. He was always up for a road trip, taking his family back and forth across America many times, traveling a different route every time, stopping at all the national landmarks, and making great memories along the way.

His son Doug, who took such great care of Norm as he navigated the challenges of aging, noted upon his passing, "I've lost my best friend." Norm will be dearly missed by so many.

There will be a funeral service to honor the life and service of Norm at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Owens, MSC, USN, Ret., CAPT Norman K.