Ernest Willie Owens

My husband was born and raised in the town of La Fayette, Louisiana up until the age of 17 years old. His parents were Ernest Owens and Cecilia Domingues. Born the 25 of November 1925 and passed away on October 11, 2010. He was blessed with 4 siblings; Sara, Gertie, Wilberth and Norris. He is survived by his four children; Annette, A.J., Yvette Patricia and Dominic. In our 25 years of marriage, I learned to know him very well. My husband was a man of integrity. He was and will always be my pride and joy. He was worthy of being imitated by others for his exemplary honesty and righteousness. Many of his good qualities, along with many other virtues, were contributed because of his up bringing and inherited through his ancestors.

Those that knew him will remember how he loved to hear Cajun music or Country music, enjoyed writing long letters, or simply enjoyed a good black and white movie. Movies that portrayed the good old days with actors like John Wayne, which was his favorite actor. On a cold, rainy day he also enjoyed a delicious cup of gumbo with a glass of wine.

There where many events that shook Willie’s life profoundly. Without a doubt, one of those events was the attacks of 9/11. I remember him saying, "I wish I could only have the strength to protect my country and my countrymen once more." However, the most devastating blow was the death of his brother Norris.

Very few people knew of my husband’s faithful devotion and dedication while serving in the United States Navy. A Veteran of World War II, the Korean War and as Combat Veteran of the Vietnam War having served 2 tours while in Vietnam. He would retire after 23 years of military service. His decorations and awards included: World War II Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Medal; Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Medal with One Bronze Star; Navy Unit Commendation Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia and 2 Bronze stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Palm.