George W Owens

Born on February 1, 1925 in Clearfield, he was the son of the late Elmer S. and Leah F. (Walther) Owens.

In 1989 he retired after 28 years of service as Lawrence Township Tax Collector and he was a plumber by trade.

Mr. Owens was protestant by faith.

He was a member of the Clearfield American Legion Post #6 and the Clearfield VFW Post # 1785, served as commander of the combined firing squad for military honors, after 27 years he retired as an active Army Reservist. He was also a member of the Old Town Sportsmens Association, Sparkling Springs Hunting and Fishing Club, Mt. Joy Grange, Clearfield/Lawrence Airport Authority, life member of the Lawrence Township Fire Co., Station 5 and had served as a member on the Clearfield Area School Board.

Mr. Owens served in the United States Army during World War II in European Theater and the 3rd Army.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed snowmobiling, animals, volunteering for the SPCA and gardening, where he grew the biggest pumpkins.

Mr. Owens is survived by his wife, Helen Jean (Shifter) whom he married on January 17, 1948, six children: Grace A. Swanson and her husband, Edwin, of Curwensville, Frances L. Lawhead and her husband, Randall, of Clearfield, Gloria J. Aarness and her husband, Bruce, of Tomah, WI, Edith M. Starr and her husband, Kenneth, of Clearfield, Richard W. Owens and his companion Robin and Harold L. Owens of Clearfield; a daughter-in-law, Brenda G. (Lippart) Owens of Clearfield; 17 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and two sisters; Ellen Evans of Clearfield and Martha Jette of New Egypt, NJ and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Owens was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Edward J. Owens, who passed away in August 2009 and two sisters; Marion Darrow and Donna Zimmerman.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., Clearfield with Pastor Kenneth Leonard officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Joy Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 and Veterans of Foreign Wars F. Michael Sicks Post No. 1785 Honor Guard.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. and on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of services.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Veterans or the Old Town Sportsman Association of Clearfield, PA., P.O. Box 804 Clearfield, PA 16830-0804.

To send an on line tribute go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com