Jerry was born on Feburary 18, 1947 in Akron, Ohio to E. Rex and Henrietta Owens. He joined his brother Evan who was 11 years older. He was raised in Akron attending Glover Elementary School, Goodrich Junior High, Garfield High School and the University of Akron. At the University Jerry earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He took his first job in Cleveland, Ohio, for Nationwide Insurance as a Claims Adjuster. He retired from the insurance business in California where he worked for Mercury Insurance for 24 years.
While at Garfield High School he met his future wife, Karen, in 1963 and they continued dating until their marriage on August 31, 1968. Their daughter Bethany Noel was born March 30, 1976. Jerry, Karen and Beth moved to California in 1977
Jerry loved California and the beach. He attended Mount of Olives Lutheran Church and was active there on the church counsel for several years. Jerry loved sports cars and driving up the coast to San Francisco. Then he discovered Hawaii and fell in love again. He loved traveling with Karen or anyone in the family who wanted to go. Any island would do.
He truly lived his Christian faith in putting God and family first. He walked the talk.
He is preceded in death by his father Rex, his mother Henrietta, and his brother Evan. He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Karen, his daughter Bethany and her husband Karl Thompson, and his granddaughters, Erin and Morgan.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or to Focus on the Family.
