Medford Hayes Owen

Medford Hayes Owen of Waynesville, North Carolina entered eternal rest on July 26th, 2024.

Medford, or as his family called him, Med or Papaw was born March 11th, 1937, and has been a Waynesville, North Carolina local his entire life. Medford was a man who found quality and serenity in the simple things. Be it the sound of a flowing creek outside of his home, or the parade of lightning bugs as the sun set. Medford was married to his wife Mary Kathleen Greene Owen for nearly 66 years where they shared a home in the lush mountains of Hemphill.

Medford ran his own business for over 30 years doing excavation work, and installing septic tanks and water lines across Western North Carolina, but aside from his career, Medford had a deep love and appreciation of country and bluegrass music. He enjoyed a good laugh and always had a joke or two in stock for when he saw you next.

Medford was born to the late Manson (Manse)Owen and Annie Messer Owen both of Haywood County. He has nine siblings preceded in death by Maebur Owen Setzer, Ray Owen, Manuel Owen, Lavada Owen Gibson, and Lois Owen Harris, and is survived by brothers Clifford Owen, Danny Owen, and Sister Lucy (Dot) Ford. Survived by his wife Mary Owen and his four children Earlene Owen, Gary Owen, Cathy Owen, and Terry Owen. Grandchildren Sebrina Love, Jeff Love, and Joey Owen and great-grandchildren Sapphire Love, Sybil Ammons, Tristen Colby, Casey Owen, and Bristol Owen and great-great-grandchildren Nikolai Jones, Esme Jones, and Liam Davis.

The family will announce a memorial and celebration of life for Med Owen at a later date.