Jay Philip Owen

1979 - 2024

Jay Philip Owen, 45, of Paducah, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Jay was born in Marion, Ohio, on March 7, 1979. The family moved to Kentucky when Jay was five. He graduated from Central Hardin High School, Elizabethtown. He attended technical college, and later joined the United States Navy. Jay continued his education and earned his master's in Management & Leadership from Murray State.

A retired chief petty officer of the United States Navy, proudly serving in the Global War on Terrorism, with multiple tours here and there. He embodied dedication, and served his country with honor before continuing his journey as a maintenance supervisor for Honeywell, where he was equally esteemed by colleagues and friends.

Jay was a man of many passions, and had an adventurous spirit. He traveled throughout the world while in the Navy. An avid member of the MOPAR Outlaws, he was a devoted attendee at custom car shows and won many trophies a testament to his love for automobiles. His hands were rarely still, often busy crafting custom pens or showcasing his woodworking skills. As a grill master, he delighted many with his culinary expertise in the art of cooking, grilling and smoking meats. He cultured a fine taste as part of the Paducah Bourbon Society, and his collection reflected his depth of knowledge and application for bourbon. He was an avid Louisville Cardinal fan as well as a Cincinnati Reds fan.

Above all, Jay treasured moments with his family, who will miss his warmth, laughter, and presence dearly. Jay's legacy of passion and dedication will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is survived by his father, Philip Owen; mother and stepfather, Barbara and Dan Price of Bucyrus, Ohio; two sons, Dylan Owen of Paducah and Ethan Owen of Whitehall, New York; daughter, Alyssa Owen (Collin) of Chesapeake, Virginia; three sisters, Karla Morris (Johnny) of Lebanon, Tennessee, Tiffany O'Connor (Chris) of Marion, Ohio, and Jennifer Ballenger (Rob) of Bucyrus, Ohio; two brothers, staff sergeant Antony Owen (Lauren) of Camp Pendleton, California, and Brian Price (Jessica) of Hilliard, Ohio; grandmother, Glenna Thornburg (Mike) of Ogden Utah, longtime girlfriend Melissa Blair of Paducah; Melissa's children, Elias Lewis, Michael Alsobrook, Casey Alsobrook (Ethan) and Jacob Alsobrook; nieces and nephews, Mason Vinyard, Connor Van Hook, Korbin Morris, Taylor O'Connor, Chase O'Connor, Nolan O'Connor, Shae Owen, Silas Owen, Parker Owen, Johnny Ballenger, Aiden Gall and Layla Price; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins; and the Mopar Outlaw Car Club and the RVA Mopar family of Richmond Virginia.

Jay was preceded in death by his loving stepmother, Wendy Owen; grandparents, Ronald and Ann Owen, Bill Thornburg and Margaret Price; and aunts, Barbara Dranschak and Cathy Price.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Bob Martin officiating. Military Honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, with a service at 2 p.m. at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Ohio.

Expression of sympathy may be made to Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCan), 4520 East-West Hwy Suite 610, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814.

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