Edward \"EJ\" J. Owens Jr.
February 17, 1929 – February 28, 2018
Service details are pending.
Obituary
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.
To the Owens family- I have so many wonderful memories of your father and husband, but most clearly remember how fondly he spoke about all of you. Working with him at the Gazette was a gift that I cherish each time I think of my time there. Regretfully, I won’t be able to attend his funeral mass in April. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you then, as they are now. He was one of a kind.
To the Owens family- I have so many wonderful memories of your father and husband, but most clearly remember how fondly he spoke about all of you. Working with him at the Gazette was a gift that I cherish each time I think of my time there. Regretfully, I won’t be able to attend his funeral mass in April. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you then, as they are now. He was one of a kind.
Mrs. Owens, Bill, Tom, Scott, Cindy and Todd – Thinking of you all and the good memories of my childhood over at your house. Your dad left quite an impression on me. Strong, firm (because we were always in trouble), but also very funny. Peace to you all during this difficult time. Tim Clarke Dayton, OH
Mrs. Owens, Bill, Tom, Scott, Cindy and Todd – Thinking of you all and the good memories of my childhood over at your house. Your dad left quite an impression on me. Strong, firm (because we were always in trouble), but also very funny. Peace to you all during this difficult time. Tim Clarke Dayton, OH
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief and sorrow. May the awesome memories of dad outshine this time in which our Lord has called him home. God bless. Love Danny Clarke
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this time of grief and sorrow. May the awesome memories of dad outshine this time in which our Lord has called him home. God bless. Love Danny Clarke
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have a lot of good memories of your dad dealing with Todd and I back in the day.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have a lot of good memories of your dad dealing with Todd and I back in the day.
So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man who loved his family. He will surely be missed. His suffering is now over and he is resting peacefully. Be strong and lean on one another to get through this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man who loved his family. He will surely be missed. His suffering is now over and he is resting peacefully. Be strong and lean on one another to get through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear it. EJ was such a great neighbor, will be missed.
So sorry to hear it. EJ was such a great neighbor, will be missed.
I’m so sad that another great one has left us. The “coolest” dad in the old neighborhood where we grew up! Thank you, Mr. Owens (EJ) for some of the best memories and for trying to influence me not to be naughty anymore. To Mrs. Owens, Bill, Tom, Scott, Cindy and Todd, thank you also for great memories and sort of sharing your husband/dad with us because our dad worked 2nd. shift a lot. My prayers are that you all will have a peace that passes understanding. Hugs and much love. Sincerely, Chris ?
I’m so sad that another great one has left us. The “coolest” dad in the old neighborhood where we grew up! Thank you, Mr. Owens (EJ) for some of the best memories and for trying to influence me not to be naughty anymore. To Mrs. Owens, Bill, Tom, Scott, Cindy and Todd, thank you also for great memories and sort of sharing your husband/dad with us because our dad worked 2nd. shift a lot. My prayers are that you all will have a peace that passes understanding. Hugs and much love. Sincerely, Chris ?
Our family will be praying for you and yours during this most difficult time. Sending our love. Dave and Annette Crocker
Our family will be praying for you and yours during this most difficult time. Sending our love. Dave and Annette Crocker
So sorry for your loss. He was a great loving man. I am honored to say that I had the privilege I know him. Prayers and HUGS for you all. Love, Tammy
So sorry for your loss. He was a great loving man. I am honored to say that I had the privilege I know him. Prayers and HUGS for you all. Love, Tammy
Rest in peace EJ
Rest in peace EJ
Tom and girls, So sorry to hear about your dad/grandpa. Prayers and hugs to all of you. Trixie
Tom and girls, So sorry to hear about your dad/grandpa. Prayers and hugs to all of you. Trixie