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Kenneth L. Owen, age 90 and resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away in St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Thursday.
Kenneth Lester Owen was born in a small house in Horton, Kansas on February 20, 1926. He was the son of William M. Owen and Alice C. (Gilbert) Owen. He moved with his family to a farm near Fairview, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse. He graduated Fairview High school in 1944. Kenneth was drafted into the Army that same year. He served in Belgium and Germany during WW2 in both the 1st and the 3rd Armies. He served both as an anti-aircraft gunner, then transferred to the infantry as a rifleman and radio operator. Kenneth fought in the Battle of the Bulge and he participated in the crossing of the Rhine. He was honorably discharged on June 17, 1946, with the rank of Sergeant First Class.
Kenneth married Ruth Irene Hawks in Fairview, Kansas in 1947. They made their home there in the Fairview area. Ronne, their first child was born in 1948, Donald was born in 1949, Cheryl was born in 1950, Kenneth Jr. was born in 1952, Stephan was born in 1954, Naomi was born in 1956, and Meredith was born in 1958.
He worked with a variety of heavy equipment, building ponds and terraces. He did everything from clearing land to digging basements for 15 years. Living a life of sin, he became convicted through the Holy Spirit for not only the life he was living, but for how he was raising his children without the benefit of Sunday School and benefitting from the knowledge that only a church could give. He was saved at the age of 27 and soon was called by God to the ministry. Taking a home study course from The Pilgrim Holiness Church, he set out with $100 in his pocket and seven children and a wife to bring the Gospel to others. He served in smaller churches along with his wife. Together, they removed and trimmed trees and cleaned and waxed commercial floors. He served 20 years as a fireman laborer in the U.S. Post Office. He knew God would supply his need if He supplied the man.
He served the Wesleyan Church for 21 years. He then was called to minister to the Church of Modoc, Kansas, along with the Scott City, Kansas Church, giving them 19 years of service. He spent a year in Pence Community Church until they found a pastor. He served numerous times as supply for the First Baptist Church in Scott City, Kansas; Shallow Water Community Church, and Friends Church. He filled pulpits in the Nazarene, Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian Church and Independent Christian. He held revivals in Wesleyan, as well as Church of Christ, in Christian Union in Texas. He ended his ministry by ministering to a Non-Denominational Congregation in Zapata, Texas for years. He spent seven years as Music Minister in another group and retired at the age of 82.
God blessed his ministry by leading his seven children to the Lord with several serving in various capacities in churches where they live. He blessed many with his singing, held hundreds of funerals, scores of weddings, had a Radio Ministry for a year on a Christian Radio Station at KFLA in Scott City, Kansas; taught Sunday School classes, youth groups and provided truck and trailer and with others, hauled tons of clothing to the Native American missions in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Keams Canyon, Arizona.
His wife, Ruth, was a constant companion, help-mate, and critic of his sermons and served in many ways to help him minister to many souls. They were married for 50 years when Ruth passed away in 1998.
Kenneth married Marjorie L. Reynolds on November 26, 1998. They made their home in Bartlesville. Kenneth kept very busy with his many interests, such as woodworking, socializing at the Senior Center, attending East Bartlesville Christian Church, teaching seniors Bible study and music, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his son, Ronne Owen and his wife, Karen of Cedar Hill, Texas; son, Donald Owen and his wife, Gwen of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; daughter, Cheryl Brock and her husband, Joe of Grove, Oklahoma; son, Kenneth Owen Jr. of Edwardsville, Kansas; daughter, Naomi Warren and her husband, John of Dodge City, Kansas; and daughter, Meredith Morton and her husband, Wesley of Ponca City, Oklahoma. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William I. Owen; sister, Lois Clouser; wife, Ruth I. Owen; son, Stephan Owen; and 2nd wife, Marjorie Owen.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations, in memory of Kenneth, be made to a memorial in his name at East Bartlesville Christian Church, 3221 E. Tuxedo Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006.
Visitation for Kenneth was held on Sunday, from 1:00-8:00 PM in the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home, 710 S, Dewey Ave. Family was present to greet friends from 6:00-8:00 PM.
Services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM in the East Bartlesville Christian Church, 3221 E. Tuxedo Blvd. Bartlesville. Pastor David Mabon will be the officiant. Inurnment will be held in the Scott City, Kansas Cemetery on Friday, September 9 at 3:00 PM.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.
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