Donald Wilson Owen

Donald Wilson Owen, 90, of Schell City, Mo., the oldest son of Albert Chalmers and Cora Elizabeth (Dieter) Owen, was born on Sept. 14, 1919, in Maysville, Mo., and passed from this life at 3:28 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at the Cedar County Memorial Hospital, in El Dorado Springs.

Throughout his life, Don accomplished many things. He graduated from both high school and college and was a school teacher for a time. He worked for the ASCS office, ran a road grader to build reservoirs, and lived in Australia where he owned and operated his own business. He was the first soldier from DeKalb County to serve in the Western Pacific, Papua, East Indies, and New Guinea. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Distinguished Unit Badge, and American Defense Service Ribbon.

He became an airplane pilot at the age of 60, and owned his own plane. He also built large-scale model airplanes. He loved boating and even built himself a sailboat. He was an avid reader and a skilled wood craftsman and artist. For the last several years he has attended the Schell City Christian Church, and faithfully read his Bible every night.

On Jan. 20, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Rachel Lee. Never heard Don say a cuss word -- how about that? Don always moved forward to discover new things in his life.

Survivors include his wife Rachel Lee Owen, of the home in Schell City; one son, Anthony Owen and his wife Cheng of Canberra, Australia; one stepson, Larry Applegate and his wife Marla, of Schell City; one stepdaughter, Peggy Applegate, of Great Falls, Mont.; two brothers, Harold D. (Joe) Owen, of Cameron, Mo., and Albert A. (Art) Owen and his wife Jurene, of Liberty, Mo.; one sister, Ruth Alberta Patrick, of Sparks, Nev.; three grandchildren, Louis, James and Adrienne Owen, all of Canberra, Australia; five stepgrandchildren, Frank and Fred Carlton, Keri Hold, and Kristi and Justin Applegate; 14 stepgreat-grandchildren; six stepgreat-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, John H. Owen.

Funeral services for Donald Wilson Owen were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at the Schell City Christian Church with Paul Thorade and Marvin Goodman. Pallbearers were: Frank and Fred Carlton, Justin Applegate, George Hold, Sam Vantellman, Dennis Vantellman, and Rob McKinney. Honorary pallbearers were: Dale Allison, Joe Frieze, Ron Shutters, Grady Davis, and James Heath. Interment with military honors followed at the Green Lawn Cemetery, in Schell City. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Schell City Christian Church, in Schell City.

Funeral arrangements for Mr. Owen were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, in Schell City.