J. D. “Jay” Owens, 84 years old of Kenosha, WI, passed away peacefully at Aurora Zilber Hospice House, Wauwatosa, on October 7, 2023, after a long battle with COPD.
He was born on April 5, 1939 in Baldwyn, MS. He was the fourth child of the late Roy C. and Loretta (Speck) Owens.
On October 21, 1972 he was united in marriage to Georgia L. Smith at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church.
Jay was employed as an automotive machinist and mechanic through-out his career at Monark Auto Supply, Essex Wire, Bruce McCurdy, Amsted Industries – MacWhyte Wire Rope and finally Steadley Co. He retired in January 1997 due to health issues.
Jay truly loved his family and friends, and enjoyed spending time with them at many get togethers through-out the years.
He will be remembered as a kind, loving, and gentle individual whose family always came first.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Georgia Smith Owens; his siblings Juanita Owens and Bill Owens, his children Robert Owens and Lori Owens; his 4 grandchildren; Joel (Christobel) Oechler, Jr., Heidi (Joseph) Malsack, Bailey and McKenzie Owens. He is further survived by 7 great-grandchildren; Lukus Verbeten, Jordan Oechler, Cameron Oechler, Kaleb Malsack, Greyson Malsack, Jameson (J.D.) Oechler and Annslee Malsack.
He is proceeded in death by his parents; his in-laws Andrew and Norma Smith, his siblings Annasue “Sue” Watts, Malon “Buddy” Owens, and Virginia Gifford, and his daughter Lisa Owens Oechler.
The family would like to thank Aurora at Home Hospice, especially Angie RN, Kate Social Worker and Aurora Zilber Hospice House for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank our family and friends for their love and support during this difficult journey.
A memorial gathering will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 8760-37th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 9:30AM-11:00AM, with memorial services to follow at 11:00AM.
