JOHN KENNETH “KENNY” OWEN was born December 14, 1922, near Maysville, Missouri, to Harold B. “Hob” and Veda (Stockton) Owen. He lost his battle to cancer on Friday, December 8, 2006, at the Golden Living Center in Tekamah, Nebraska, at the age of 83, just one week shy of his 84th birthday.

Growing up near Maysville, Missouri, Kenny graduated from Maysville High School in 1941 and joined the U.S. Marines. During his tour of duty, he served in Guam and Iwo Jima, Japan during World War II. He was honorably discharged on January 16, 1946. Following his discharge, Kenny returned to Maysville to work on the farm.

On August 7, 1954, Kenny was united in marriage to Lois Edwards. To this union three children were born. They ran a dairy farm until 1966, when they moved to Tekamah to open a Western Auto Hardware Store, which they owned and operated for over twenty-five years. During this time, Kenny also drove a school bus for the Tekamah-Herman Schools.

While living in Tekamah, he served on the City Council, was a member of the United Methodist Church and active as a little league umpire and baseball coach. Other hobbies included square dancing, bowling and “coffee with the gang”. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Merlin.

Survivors include his wife, Lois of Tekamah; sons and daughters-in-law: Les  and Jo of Laurel, Nebraska, John Paul and Lynn of Carmel, Indiana; daughter and son-in-law, Deb and Tim McAllister of Fairbury, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Brad Owen and Cristy McAllister of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kylie Owen of Greenville, South Carolina, Jake McAllister of Hastings, Nebraska; brothers and sisters-in-law: Harlan and Bernice of Yuba City, California, Jim and Shirley of Smithville, Missouri, Carl and June of Ash Grove, Missouri; Wilma Owen of Cameron, Missouri; sisters and brothers-in-law: Beulah and Harlow Mills of Round Rock, Texas, Jean and Keith of Cameron, Missouri, Helen Drury of Fayetteville, North Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.               

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Tekamah, Nebraska.

MILITARY HONORS: by VFW Bataan Post No. 3304 and American Legion Post LaFrenz Post No. 15

PRIVATE FAMILY BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery

VISITATION: Monday, December 11, 2006, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m.at Pelan Funeral Services Tekamah. Visitation will also be held Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: United Methodist Church, Tekamah and the American Cancer Society