Kenneth Ray Owen

KENNETH RAY OWEN

March 22, 1937 - May 20, 2018

Ken passed away at his home in Bakersfield at the age of 81. He was born in Solomonville, AZ to Ray Lee Owen and Emma Jean Owen (both deceased) and moved to Bakersfield as a child. As a young man he developed a passion for the game of baseball and softball and played into his mid 30's culminating in the California State Open Division State Softball Championship in 1970. His love for the game continued his entire life.

At the young age of 20, Ken married the love of his life, Frances Kathleen Owen. He became an overnight father to three beautiful daughters, Debbie and Julie of Bakersfield and Susie of Vista, CA. A year later in June of 1958, Frances gave birth to their first son, Jeffrey Kenneth, who passed away shortly after birth. In 1960, son Kenneth David of Bakersfield was born.

Together for 48 years until Frances' passing in 2005, Ken and Frances enjoyed, along with their 4 children, Grandsons Jeffrey, Michael, Matthew and Brady and Granddaughter Kellie the Holidays, Camping and Fishing Trips, Padre and Charger games, Snow Skiing in

Mammoth, Tahoe, Utah & Colorado as well as attending the grandchildren's sporting events.

Ken and Frances also travelled with friends, Gene & Doy Fenton of Woodland, CA and Don & Luisa Stafford of Vista, CA to destinations such as Nashville, New Orleans, Italy, France, Mexico and Hawaii.

After a 30 year career as a General Contractor, Ken joined Frances in a very successful Real Estate Business in the San Diego area. Upon his retirement in 2007, Ken relocated back to Bakersfield and enjoyed spending time with his two sisters Eleanor and Donna as well as their very large families.

In addition to being remembered for his sense of humor, honesty and integrity Ken will always be remembered for his love of cooking. He never prepared a meal for family or friends that he did not describe as "World Famous".

In addition to those previously mentioned, Ken is survived by Daughter-In-Law Marina Owen, Special Friend Linda Schuler, Brother Randy, 6 Great

Grandchildren and many Nephews and Nieces.

Dad, you were, are and will always be my hero.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 26th at 2:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Bakersfield, CA. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 29th at 12:30 pm at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in the name of Kenneth Ray Owen to the American Foundation for the Blind, www.afb.org