Obituary of Chester C. Owen

Coffeyville - Chester Claude Owen, 82, of Coffeyville died Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. Mr. Owen was born July 18, 1925 to Lee R. and Elsie (Reister) Owen in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. He attended South Coffeyville Public Schools and graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1943. He enlisted in the United States Navy in April 1943 and served aboard the USS Norman D. Scott in the South Pacific during World War II. He was Honorably Discharged from active duty on April 17, 1946. After his discharge he attended Coffeyville Community College and played on the Red Raven football team that participated in the Coffee Bowl in 1947. On June 8, 1946, he married Shirley Wadkins in Independence, Kansas. She survives at the home. Mr. Owen worked at Metzen Brothers Truck Stop, and retired 31 years of service working for the City of Coffeyville. After retirement he worked part-time for Baldwin Standard Service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022. Other survivors include: two sons, Jim (Julie) Owen of Coffeyville; Bobby (Therese) Owen of Harrisonville, Missouri; two daughters, Pamela McCullough of Edna; Lyndia (Travis) Letterman of Coffeyville; and one brother Jack Owen of Orlando, Florida. . He is also survived by 6 grandsons, 2 granddaughters; 3 great-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Owen was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and Frank, and one sister Virginia. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday (January 26, 2008) at the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville with Dr. Wayne Norton officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may sign the register book on Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church in Coffeyville; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.