Joseph Owens - Obituary

WENS, Joseph W., 94, of Temple Hills, Maryland, died June 13, 2013 after a long illness. He was the son of the late Frank and Katie Owens of Laurel, Maryland. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Evelyn Baird Owens, and his second wife, Helen B. Owens; his brothers, Eugene Owens, Bobby Owens, Lee Owens and Carl Owens and his sister, Doris Brothers. Having served in the U. S. Army during World War II in the paratrooper division, he received a Purple Heart Medal for injuries sustained on November 15, 1942 in Africa. A carpenter by trade, he was retired from Safeway. A devoted father, he is survived by three sons, Gary Owens and wife, Beverly, of Orlando, Florida, Bruce Owens of Lawrence, Kansas and Mark Owens of Temple Hills, Maryland. He is also survived by two stepsons, Ronald Robinson and wife, Jerry, of Bland, Virginia; Stephen Robinson and wife, Rosalie, of Phoenix, Arizona; three stepdaughters, Sandra Skinner of Emporia, Virginia, Jan Opalko and husband, Rick, of Temple Hills, Maryland, and Rita Austin and husband, Kit, of Verona, Virginia; sister-in-law, Olga Owens, of Laurel, Maryland; eight grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 15 step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A warmhearted man, full of laughter and always quick with a joke or snappy saying, he could brighten your day with just his smile. Everyone who knew him, loved him. He is lovingly missed by all. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at George P. Kalas Funeral Home on Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland. Private interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity. Please sign the online guestbook above.