Charles "Bud" J. Owens

He served in the US Army during WW II and was employed by Sealright in Fairfax, Ks. for 39 years. As the lead plant maintenance man, he was known as the guy who could keep that factory running. He was also respected as Union Steward of Local 510. He participated in many contract negotiations and lead labor strikes for better benefits and working conditions. He remained a proud Union man and advocate for working men and women the rest of his life.

At Sealright, many of his co-workers became life-long friends with whom he enjoyed great times at the lake, basement parties in the city, and drinking enough beer to flood the Missouri River.

He also met his Loretta at Sealright. They married and raised 3 children at their house in KCK while also building a retirement home at Lake of the Ozarks. Bud remembered his retirement to the lake as one of the happiest times of their lives enjoying fishing, boat rides, tromping through the woods, and welcoming 2 grandsons.

Sadly, this time was cut short by his bride's death from cancer. He cared for her throughout her illness and held her when she passed away in the home they built together.

He persevered and lived another 20 years pursuing new interests which included line dancing, yoga, penny slots, fishing, fishing, and more fishing, cutting wood, cutting wood, and cutting more wood. He added a granddaughter to his brood, became active at the Westside Senior Center, discovered true love again, and found a church home at Unity at the Lake. He continued to "go visitin'" and afternoon's in Herb's garage was a favorite destination.

He battled many physical challenges in his last years and confronted each with courage and optimism regardless of risk. He wanted to live to be 100 but when he accepted it would not be on his terms, he handled his final diagnosis with grace and dignity. Making the hardest decision of his life, he left the lake and people he loved so much and returned to Kansas City to be cared for by his daughters.

As always, he did what was best for his family and gave them his final gift of a peaceful passing.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by many friends and family members who formed a band of angels to welcome him home.

Surviving to miss him forever are his children, Deborah, Rita and Mike, Jeff and Cindy. Grandchildren Jeff, Dash, Cheyanne and 3 great-grandchildren. Sisters Rosemary, Pat, Anna Mae and brother Bob. Nieces, nephews, in-laws, outlaws, and friends too numerous to count.

It was a life well-lived.