ichard Owens, Jr. was born on May 22, 1929 in Evanston, Illinois to Richard Owens, Sr. and Alice Gaines. He passed away on August 4, 2016 at the age of 87 at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida surrounded by a loving family.
Family
Richard was preceded in death by his sisters Alice and Betty. He is survived by his loving wife Patty Owens (Baldwin) of 24 years. Richard and Patty met in Norwalk, Connecticut where they were both employed. Together they moved to Suffolk, Virginia ultimately retiring to Florida 13 years ago. Additionally he is survived by children Karen Angione and Lyrae Owens of Virginia and Marc Owens of Connecticut ; step children Marc Norwood of Connecticut, Vicki Parker of Virginia, Lance Norwood of Massachusetts; grandchildren Collin Angione, Brooke Owens, Gerrard Angione, Zavier Basnight, Jeremy Angione, Brianna Johnson, Matthew Williams, Marissa Norwood, Lance Norwood, Jr., Michael Norwood and Jason Corey: great-grandchildren Aften Angione, Urijah Angione, London and Paris Angione.
Military History and Awards
Richard served his country in the United States Air Force retiring May 31, 1967 at the age 38 as a Staff Sergeant. His career in the Air Force included a tour in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, and two tours in Japan. By the end of his career he was entitled to wear the Purple Heart Medal, the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, three Good Conduct Medals, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Small Arms Expert Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, and he was a member of the Air Force Sergeants of America and also a member of the Church of the Nativity in Sarasota, Florida.
Military Honors
A military funeral service will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Sarasota, Florida with the United States Air Force Honor Guard providing military honors. The service will begin at 11:00 am with a one hour visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am. A graveside service will be held at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia on August 19, 2016 at 12:00 PM.
The Owens family would like to thank the entire staff at Tidewell Hospice for their outstanding care provided to Richard. Additionally they would like to thank the Paralyzed Veterans of America. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and Limbs for Life.
Friends and family are invited to share memories and sign his guestbook below.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, praying that you may have peace and comfort in this, your time of need.
Marc, Me and my wife would like to extend our prayers of comfort and condolences to you and your family.
Marc, Karen and Lyra my heart goes out to you and the family. Praying for you…
God Bless
Marc and family, my condolences on the loss of your father. May god give your family strength to get through this and provide guidance to carry on. May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to you all. May he rest in peace.
Marc,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time
Marc & family, my prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Dearest dearest Patti…I just discovered this to look up your phone number and saw this……You are a very special lady and an awesome wife, Mother and friend…..I will try and phone you up soon…..Again, I am soooooooooo sorry for your loss Of Richard….may GOD Bless Him and also you now and forever….
your friend always
Barbara Milano from Stamford….luv you and will always remember the good times we shared. Stay close to GOD and He will see you thru….