MEDINA —
Charles R. Owen, of Medina, passed away on Wednesday morning at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia. Mr. Owen was born in Lockport on June 9, 1922, a son of the late George Thomas and Cora Lou (Rock) Owen.
He attended Medina High School and left his senior year to join the US Army. He served with the Army Air Forces and was taken a prisoner by the Germans. For nineteen months he was held in a German Prison Camp and was held for a total of 23 moths. After his discharge, he married Purla K. Bates on June 28, 1947 in Clarence Center. He was employed by American Brakeshoe and retired as a foreman following 33 years of service in 1984.
Active in the community, he was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, served on the Ministers Council and was chairman of the Memorial Committee. He was a charter member of the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Company. For 19 years he volunteered at the Wild Life Refuge and spoke about Eagles during their programs. He served on the Office of the Aging Advisory Council, and for 8 consecutive years, raised the most money; was a member of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans and secretary-treasurer of the Station Masters; volunteered with Habitat for Humanity; was a life member of VFW Post #1483, since 1943; former committee chairman of Troop 32, Boy Scouts of America; former president of the Busy Buddies, field director for 30 years of Family Campers and RVers and a member of the National Audubon Society. In recent years, Mr. Owen often spoke to local groups about his ordeal as a German Prisoner of War.
Survivors include his daughter, Charlotte (Rev. Michael) Breunig; a son, Paul (Patricia) Owen; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife on September 23, 2002; five brothers, George and Kenneth Owen, Hilliard, Nile and Gerald Western.
Friends may call on Friday (4-7 PM) at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. The Rev. Tony Hipes will officiate at his 1 PM service on Saturday at the United Methodist Church, 222 W. Center St., Medina. Interment will be in West Ridgeway Cemetery where military honors will be accorded at graveside by members of Lincoln Post #1483, VFW and Butts-Clark Post #204, American Legion. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church.
Visit www.cooperfuneralhomemedina.com to share condolences.
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