Dr. E. Reese Owens

1922 - 2016

E. Reese "Jess" Owens, M.D., 94, passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. Jess was born May 16, 1922, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Edward Addison Owens and Helen Swearingen Reese Owens. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Beeson "Betsey" Owens; loving father of Leslie Greer Blasland (Richard) and Reese T. Owens (Vi Harris); stepfather of Ty Tafel (Kathy) and Troy B. Tafel; and brother of the late J. David Owens and Thomas J. Owens. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Jess graduated from Franklin and Marshall Academy, Washington and Jefferson College and Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Owens was a World War II veteran and served with the Army. He practiced orthopaedic surgery in Hartford, Conn., from 1952 to1956 and returned to Pittsburgh to practice with the Gateway Orthopaedic Association at Allegheny General Hospital until his retirement in 1987.
No visitation. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, in Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, 384 Fox Chapel Road. Arrangements by WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, Aspinwall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 or to a charity of your choice.