Emmett H. Owens

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00pm, Monday, July 18, 2016, and 10:00-11:00am, Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, with funeral services to follow at 11:00am. Interment will be in Lakewood Memorial Park.

He was born Friday, November 4, 1921, in Wesson, a son of the late Ben and Mary Owens.

Emmett was a businessman, athlete, politician, hunter and fisherman, and a loving family man. He was a member of Alta Woods United Methodist Church. At a young age, he was three time MS State Golden Glove Boxing Champion. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, Emmett served during World War II and was an Iwo Jima survivor.

Emmett was a natural leader, due to his magnetic personality and his keen ability to make decisions with fairness and regard for right and wrong. After returning from active duty, he became involved in numerous civic activities. He was a Master Mason, and served as Potentate of the Wahabi Shrine. He was also Post Commander of the VFW Honor Guard Post No. 687, a member of the Jackson Sertoma Club, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, and was a Little League coach and sponsor of baseball and softball teams. While owning and operating Owens Plumbing, Heating and A/C company, he served as President of the MS Mechanical Contractors Association. Emmett also served in the MS House of Representatives from 1968 to 1988, having served as Chairman of the Game and Fish Committee from 1980 to 1988.

Emmett was an avid golfer, and was a charter member of Shady Oaks Country Club and longtime member of Brookwood Country Club. He also loved hunting and fishing and always had his children and grandchildren involved. He loved watching his grandkids play sports as well as watching both MSU and Ole Miss sports. Emmett enjoyed taking the family water skiing on weekends and to the Destin beach house for years.

Emmett was a devoted husband of 72 years to his beloved wife, Ethel Dean Owens, who preceded him in death. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Bob Owens, Wilbur Owens, and Jimmy Owens, and daughter, Patsy Welburn.

Survivors include sister, Helen Fields (Carroll) of Alexandria, LA; sons, Emmett Owens, Jr. (Bonnye), Gary Owens (Ronna), and David Owens, and daughters, Miriam Power (Mark) and Teresa Cobb (Roy), all of the Jackson area. Emmett is also survived by eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the many sitters who have taken great care of Emmett.

Memorials may be made to Alta Woods United Methodist Church, 109 Alta Woods Blvd, Jackson, MS 39204.