Visitation:
None listed
Service:
None listed
Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral
Home
Obituary
Jack Owen, 67, of Middletown,
passed away on October 17, 2024 in his home
surrounded by family.
Jack was born on March 29, 1957, in Lafayette, IN.,
the son of George Owen and Mary (Hewitt) Owen.
Jack’s talents were as numerous as they were
diverse. You may say he was a “Jack of all trades.”
After graduating from the University of Missouri
with a degree in Agriculture Mechanization, he
started working in the oil drilling fields located
in Kansas and New York. It was during this time that
he met his wife, Reatha (Gates) Owen and were
married shortly after. While living in Pennsylvania,
Jack volunteered at the local fire department,
became a paramedic, and started his career in the
medical field with a nursing degree from the
University of Pittsburgh. His firm understanding of
engines and the human body led him to a successful
career as a critical care and emergency nurse. When
not caring for patients, he built racing engines and
enjoyed Friday’s nights under the lights of Farmer
City Raceway.
While bedside nursing exemplified
his compassion, his career as an educator is where
he truly excelled. He taught life-saving skills to
soldiers in the U.S. Army, hundreds of flight
paramedics and nurses at Air Evac Lifeteam, and
nursing students at the Capital Area School of
Practical Nursing. He constantly declared that his
priorities were, and would always be, God, family,
and his crews. |
The story of Jack’s life would be
incomplete without mentioning his passion for
hockey. The ice ring was where you could see his
smile shine most. Whether attempting to score a goal
or pestering an opponent, his love for hockey
stemmed 50 years and his passion never wavered.
While Jack embarks on his heavenly
journey, left behind are his wife, Reatha, of 40
years. His daughter, Jessica, who is more and more
like him with each and every single day, and his
son, Jeff, who continues Jack’s love for machines
and aviation. Other survivors include his
daughter-in-law, Maggie, son-in-law, Jonathon,
grandchildren Brooks and Eleanor (Serafini),
Jennifer Cole (Roger), Jay Owen (Linda), and his
mother Mary Owen; several nieces, nephews, and
cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by
his father, George Owen. A private service will be
held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations are being
accepted to assist in initiating tuition assistance
programs for both nursing and aviation at Lincoln
Land Community College or Capital Area School of
Practical Nursing.
Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral
Home is in charge of arrangements.
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