Age 89, passed away at home on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 with his family at his side. EJ was born in River Rouge, Michigan on February 17, 1929, the son of the late Edward J., Sr. and Minnie (Durocha) Owens. He was a 1947 graduate of Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School and went on to attend Central Michigan University. He played football in high school and CMU and was known as the “Fleet Footed Flashy Flame from the twin C.” EJ was a proud American who served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was employed as an advertising salesman for the Kalamazoo Gazette, where he retired from after 38 years of employment. EJ was a fun-loving husband, father and grandfather who was always happy and joking. He was an avid bridge and poker player and loved music and dancing with his wife. EJ also enjoyed traveling after he retired. He his survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Barbara J. Sherman, who he married on July 21, 1951. EJ is also survived by five children, Bill (Yvonne), Tom, Scott, Cindy Dunbar and Todd; nine grandchildren, Renee (Dave), Sean, Natalie (Steven), Jonathan, Veronica, Jennifer, Miranda, Cecelia and Clayr; three great-grandchildren, Ryker, Roman and Lincoln; sister, Mary Cleypool, brother, John (Genevieve) Owens and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley McCartin and Dorothy Parente and brother, Don Owens.