Brian McLain Owen

OWEN, BRIAN MCLAIN, age 27, of Helena, Alabama crossed into the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Brian was born on September 12, 1984 in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a graduate of Pelham High School, Class of 2003, where he loved playing football for the Panthers. He was a senior Business major at the University of Montevallo, and member of Delta Chi Fraternity when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He bravely battled this disease with great courage over the past four years. His smile and humor always brightened up a room and he lifted our spirits even on his sickest days. Brian will forever be remembered for his beautiful smile and kind heart, wonderful "bear hugs," love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, hiking and his beloved Auburn Tigers. He leaves behind to cherish wonderful memories, his devoted mom and dad, Jerry and Cathy Owen of Helena; his beloved brother and sister-in-law, Brandon and April Owen; and sister, Brooke Owen and her fiancé Ray Pevy; grandparents, Bob (Gramps) and JoAnn McLain and Patsy (Me-Me) Sanders of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly. Brian was greeted in heaven by his grandparents, who preceded him in death: Albert Owen, Ethel Rose, and Jerry Sanders. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. Family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2011 at the funeral home. The Owen family wishes to thank Clay and Allison of New Beacon Hospice; the nurses, doctors and staff of UAB Hospital & Kirklin Clinic, Oncology-Hematology, Neurology, Infusion Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit; and, above all, Dr. Bert Nabors and staff, especially Katherine Mange his nurse practitioner whose devoted assistance and expertise we will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers the family request donations in memory of Brian Owen be sent to: UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology Program 510 20th Street South FOT 1020, Birmingham, AL 35294.