Eugene Gene Owens

Eugene “Gene” Owens, 86, of Bloomington, IN passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. He was born December 27, 1925 in Belmont, Brown County, IN the son of the late John Ross Owens and Dorval (Fleetwood) Owens.

Gene enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

Gene served in World War II as a T/5 in Company H of the 397th Infantry Regiment, 100 Division. He received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in action during the period of November 6, 1944 to May 9, 1945, in France and Germany. He distinguished himself by his exemplary performance of duties as first gunner in a heavy machine gun squad during this period of combat operations. He participated in many hazardous engagements in which his organization took part in the Vosges Mountains campaign, the defensive action in the Bitche sector, and the subsequent sweeping advance into Germany and across the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, and by his determined application to duty contributed to the achievements of his company.

Returning home he married Alice Lenora Wrightsman on December 24, 1946. He then worked for 35 years with the Weatteau Food Distribution Center, retiring in 1991.

Gene is survived by his wife, Alice; two sons, Roger and Jennifer Owens, and Steve Owens; three grandchildren, Heather and John Mikulich, Amanda Langley, and Christopher Owens; ten great grandchildren; a brother, James Ross Owens and a sister Erlena Owens Deckard.

Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Day Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Day Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.DayFuneralServices.com