Herbert Michael Owen Sr.

Herbert Michael Owen, 72, of Rainbow City, Alabama, peacefully in his sleep, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2015. The Gadsden, Alabama native was preceded in death by his grandparents, Evan Joseph and Lily White Owen; Marcus Peyton and Nettie Armstrong Little. Parents, Herbert Okey and Mildred Little Owen, and his only sibling, Sandra Louise Owen Luster. His survivors include Mike’s loving wife of 49 years, Kay Strozier Owen, five adoring children, Kathryn Elizabeth Owen Gifford (Stephen), H. Michael Owen, Jr. (Tamara Tillman), John Mark Owen (Amy Estock), Kristina Louise Owen Mazariegos (Jorge), and Katrina Lynne Owen Chilton (Jason) and 13 grandchildren. Many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graduate of Gadsden High where he enjoyed football; a BA from Samford University, and a THM from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Mike was Pastor of Brantleyville now Community Baptist Church, Maylene, Alabama; Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, Louisiana; and Calvary Baptist, Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Mike was a Missionary Emeritus of 32 years with the International Mission Board, SBC. He served in Coban, Guatemala as a field evangelist and coordinator for Radio K’ekchi’, and in Guatemala City as urban church planter and Business Manager. Mike also served in the Last Frontier teaching English and Fishing for fish and men. As one who loved people, Mike will be greatly missed by family and friends.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 2, 2015 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, Gadsden, Alabama. The 1 p.m. Celebration of a life well lived will be Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Twelfth Street Baptist Church, Gadsden, Alabama with Dr. Richard Trader and Dr. Craig Carlyle, Pastor, followed by interment in Forrest Cemetery.

The family requests memorial gifts be made to the Building Fund of Twelfth Street Baptist Church and the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.