Charles J. Owen

Charles J. Owen, 89, died Nov 21, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. He was the son of the late, George Owen and Lilly Brayton Owen of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Dr. Owen enlisted in the United States Army, after finishing high school, and served as a Tech 4 in the 751st Field Artillery Battalion throughout their tour of Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1945, and returned to the New Bedford Textile School (now the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth). He and his brother, Hartley, together attended Michigan State University and received their BS degrees. Charles also earned his MS at MSU, then to the University of Pittsburgh, where his Doctorate of Science and Engineering was conferred in 1962. As a metallurgical engineer, he worked for US Steel before moving to his lifelong home in Owego, New York and working the rest of his career as an Advisory Engineer at IBM. His love of gardening led to his second career of raising cattle and crops at his farm in South Owego, NY. He farmed with his family until he was no longer able. He spent the last several years splitting time between the farm and his daughter's Phoenix home. He also loved the beach, and traveled whenever he was able. Charles was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Bernice Elaine (Madden) Owen in 1996, his brother Hartley Owen, and his parents. He is survived by one son, James H. Owen of Owego, NY; one daughter, Elizabeth Owen Russell of Thermopolis, WY; and brother, George E. Owen of Dartmouth, MA; two grandchildren, Becca Blackhawk and Reilly Russell, Thermopolis, WY; three nephews, five nieces, and his best friend Madeleine Keller of Phoenix, AZ. A service will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley, www.hov.org.