Charles Edward Owen

Charles Edward Owen, 81, a resident of Bridgewater, finished this life on Friday morning, February 1, 2013, at Rockingham Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rockingham County on April 21, 1931, and was the son of the late Percy V. and Ruth Curry Owen. Charlie lived his entire life in the Bridgewater area. He graduated from Bridgewater High School and attended Dunsmore Business College. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was employed by the Rockingham Cooperative Farm Bureau for 17 years, where he became branch manager at Bridgewater. He also was a home contractor for ten years. In 1970 he began work at Lindsey Funeral Homes and Crematory, and was a licensed funeral director. On December 31, 2012, after 42 years of service, he retired due to health issues. Charlie was a member of Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, Dayton American Legion Post #27, Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association, and the Over the Hill Gang from Bridgewater High School. Always interested in his hometown, he recently became involved in the newly formed Bridgewater Historical Society. He was a past member of Bridgewater-Dayton Jaycees and Myers-Hodges VFW Post #8644. On July 13, 1950 he married the former Ferne Fulton, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Major Steven D. Owen, US Army (Retired) and wife, Mary, of Manassas and Gregory L. Owen of Harrisonburg; two grandsons, James C. and Joshua C. Owen of Manassas; one sister, M. Louise Owen of Tucson, AZ; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Sheila F. Owen. A memorial service will be held 6:00 PM, Friday, February 8, 2013, at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren with Rev. Jeff Carr and Rev. Chris Zepp, officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will be private at Oak Lawn Cemetery with military honors by Dayton American Legion Post #27. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Bridgewater Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 268, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.