Tom Bickley Owens' Obituary
Tom B. Owens, age 77, a resident of Fredonia, Kansas passed away Thursday, August 28, 2008 at the Fredonia Regional Hospital. Tom was born on May 19, 1931 in Celeste, Texas the son of George Candler and Mabel Virginia (Gibson) Owens.
After high school Tom joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 20 years. In the Air Force he was a radar technician and earned the rank of Master Sergeant. On November 24, 1954 Tom was united in marriage to Rita Maxine Bowman in Greenville, Texas. He was a member of the Salem Kinser Methodist Church. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom developed a hobby of buying older cars to fix up and drive. He also enjoyed bird watching and feeding birds.
Tom is survived by his wife Rita of the home, two daughters, Janie Gillett and Theresa Mellen both of Fredonia, Kansas, one sister-in-law Frances Owens, two nephews, Stephen and Keith Owens all of San Antonio, Texas, six grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson Matthew Thomas Sierman and one brother Major Billy Owens United States Air Force Retired.
Cremation has taken place a graveside memorial service will be held Friday September 5, 2008 at 10:30 am, Carl Thornton officiating, at Weakley Cemetery with military rites. Contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be left in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 247, 420 S. 20th St., Fredonia, Kansas.
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