Owen Wayne Sherwin

Owen Wayne (Lane) Sherwin, 86, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away on February 8, 2026. In keeping with his lifelong spirit of selflessness, he donated tissue to enhance the lives of others and organs for medical research through Indiana Donor Network.

Born on December 20, 1939, in Elk City, Oklahoma, Owen grew up on a farm before moving with his family to Topeka, Kansas at age twelve. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1962. During his time at KU, he joined the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and met Phyllis Schoen, his "Dearie." They married on February 23, 1963, in St. Louis, Missouri, and shared more than six decades of life together.

Owen proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, beginning in June 1962. He completed Officer Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, followed by Aircraft Maintenance School at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. He was later stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma, and concluded his service as a First Lieutenant in June 1965.

Following his military service, Owen built a long career as a mechanical engineer. His work took him and his family across several states, including Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, and back to Indiana. He contributed his expertise to Joy Manufacturing (Michigan City, IN), Aeroquip (Jackson, MI), Valmont Industries (Valley, NE), Flint & Walling (Kendallville, IN), and Manco (Fort Wayne, IN), retiring in 2001. One of the highlights of his career occurred in the early 1970s, when he developed a helicopter hook for the U.S. military and later earned a U.S. patent. After retirement, he and Phyllis moved to Franklin, Indiana to be closer to their daughters.

Owen had many interests throughout his life. He loved his childhood horse, Judy, and could build anything. He loved working in the yard, playing bridge, camping, and spending winters in Florida with Dearie and fellow Snowbirds. He also enjoyed computers and technology. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. He supported his wife, daughters and grandchildren in their many activities - quilting, genealogy, sports, dance, band, and theater. A heaping bowl of ice cream, his crazy Hawaiian shirts and a good nap brought him happiness.

In 1985, Owen began a journey of sobriety that became one of the defining commitments of his life. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, he found purpose in service-attending meetings, volunteering, supporting others, and serving as President of the Fort Wayne AA Intergroup. His dedication to sobriety and to helping others was a source of strength and inspiration to many, especially his family.

Owen was preceded in death by his mother, Ola Elizabeth Scherer Sherwin; his father, Emery Edwin Sherwin; his stepmother, Ruby Lois Parker Freed Sherwin; and his brother, Wilfred Dale Sherwin.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Lee Schoen Sherwin of Franklin, IN and daughters, Elaine (R. Scot) Loftus of Indianapolis, IN and Lori (Kirby Sr.) Cochran of Franklin, IN; his grandchildren, Mary (Zack) Loftus Knowlton, Molli (Thomas) Loftus Brown, Patrick Loftus, Kirby (Sara) Cochran Jr., Keirsh Cochran, and Kyra Cochran; and his great grandchildren, Keigan, Kora, Eve, Nola, and Sawyer.

A guiding light in Owen's life was the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.

A visitation will be held at Jessen Funeral Home in Whiteland, Indiana on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4 PM until 8 PM. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10 AM with Darrell Cochran officiating.

Burial will follow for interment at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana at 1 PM. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by active-duty Air Force and retired veterans.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Indiana Donor Network or the American Heart Association honoring Owen's legacy of service, generosity, and love.