Carl Emmett Owen

Carl Emmett Owen was born on March 28, 1937 in Halifax County, Virginia (Vernon Hill) to his parents, Jessie and Pearl Owen. He died on May 23, 2020 at the Capital Caring Hospice Center in Providence Hospital after a valiant battle with lung cancer.

He was educated in the Halifax County public schools. His early marriage to the former Alice Owen (nee Sims) ended in divorce. From their union two sons were born: Carl E. and Bret L. Owen. Carl moved from Halifax County, Virginia and made his home in Washington, DC in the late 1950's. He met the former Gladys Charles Pope in 1962 and they maintained a 10 -year relationship until their marriage on June 2, 1972 at Walker Memorial Baptist Church. Their 58-year love affair continued until her sudden death on April 29, 2020.

Carl loved life. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hosting summer cookouts and holiday dinners at home, traveling everywhere with Gladys, gardening, collecting and playing with gadgets, watching sports events, especially his beloved Washington Redskins and racing cars when he was a younger man. He dearly loved animals and wildlife, especially his miniature Doberman, BJ and his beautiful exotic goldfish. He proudly showed his outdoor fishpond to everyone who visited his home. Throughout his illness he made sure the fish were fed and the pond was maintained.

Carl was excellent at using his hands and often built or repaired things in his home and gained the reputation as a handyman extraordinaire. He was equally meticulous at his job as a meat cutter. He worked for Washington Beef Company for 25 years before joining Shoppers Food Warehouse until his and was active throughout his career in local 400, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

Carl was a faithful member of The New Macedonia Baptist Church for 30 years where he and Gladys regularly participated in Sunday morning worship, weekday bible studies, and various other church activities. He specifically was active with the sick and shut-in Ministry, visited church members, and sent cards and notes.

On Father's Day 2017, The New Macedonia Baptist Church celebrated their octogenarian members. On this occasion, Senior Pastor Patrick Walker proudly presented Brother Carl E. Owen with an Award for being an Outstanding Father Figure and Spiritual Role Model.

Carl was predeceased by his wife, Gladys M. Owen on April 29, 2020, his son Bret Owen on February 24, 2020, his son Carl Owen in 1987 at a young age in a swimming accident; brother Berkley Owen, sisters Geneva Crews and Thelma Majors and their parents Jessie and Pearl Owen. Carl was the youngest of the three Owen sons.

He is survived by his brother Herbert Owen, sisters: Juanita Barksdale, Esther Marable, Mary Moore and Estelle Powell, children: Joyce Little (Harold), Joan White (Lawrence) and Ronald Pope (Celestine), granddaughter Rhonda Gore (James), great grandson, Kiari, sister-in-law, Tracey Charles, nieces, nephews, neighbors, especially Teddy and Betty Wilson, and many friends, especially Deacon John and Deaconess Mary Ellington of The New Macedonia Baptist Church and Charlotte Blount Lewis (William) who was a faithful friend of 40 years to Gladys and Carl.

Carl was a person of few words. He maintained a quiet demeanor, a quick wit and was always endearing to everyone he encountered. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of everyone who loved and admired him and he definitely will be missed. The family is comforted in knowing that he and Gladys are now forever joined and will rest in eternal peace.