
Clarence Edward “Ed”
Owens, Sr., 70, of Carlisle, passed to eternal life on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at his home with loving family by his side.
He was born on June 15, 1943, in Carlisle, a son of the late Clarence L. “Doc” and Gladys R. (Sowash) Owens. Ed was a 1961 graduate of Carlisle High School and earned his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Science Education
from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. He taught high school science and advanced placement
biology for 36 years at Mt. Pocono High School, and was also an assistant high school football coach. Ed
later taught at Carlisle High School for several years and was the science department head. He taught at
the former Harrisburg Math and Science Institute and volunteered with PA Junior Academy of Science. He
was a member of Carlisle United Methodist Church and served on the committee that brought the three Carlisle United Methodist
churches together. He served on the Church Council, the Men’s Group, the Blood Drive and was a trustee
with the former Allison United Methodist Church, Carlisle. Ed also volunteered for Carlisle Cares and was
a member of the Old Town Run Mountain Lodge.
He is
survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Sandra L. (Price) Owens, three sons; Clarence E. “Ted” Owens,
Jr. (Mary Ann) of Hamburg, Christopher (Melissa) Owens of East Stroudsburg and Bruce (Susan) Owens of Stroudsburg, one step-son,
Clark (Lisa) Springer of McKinleyville, CA, two daughters; Traci (Marc)Van Eik and Alexandra Owens, both of Middletown, one
step-daughter, Raine Springer of Pughtown, one brother, George Owens of Dallas, TX, two sisters; Elizabeth Baker of Boiling
Springs and Phyllis Marks of Gardners, nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. in the Carlisle United
Methodist Church, 45 S. West Str., Carlisle, with Rev. Mira Hewlett officiating. The family invites friends
to gather for a reception immediately following the service at the church. Burial will be private.
Ewing Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to
his wife, Sandra L. Owens, 109 E. Park Str., Carlisle, PA 17013.
Click here to send a condolence
Our deepest condolences on the recent passing of Ed. His tireless efforts, insight
and intelligence were valuable assets to the Board and various committees at Old Town Run. Randolph Hays family _______________
Love
to all of you during this time. Uncle Ed will be missed. What a great man with a great legacy! Please call on us with whatever we can do to help! xxxooo
Becky and family _______________ We send our deepest sympathies to Ed's entire family. He certainly fought a
very courageous battle against the cancer that ravaged his body but not his spirit. We send our love and compassion.
Bill & Barbara
Skelly _______________ Though I only had the privilege of speaking with Ed one time, I feel
like I know him quite well through his brother George. What a beautiful life he led always giving to others! I know that
he has already found a new place to serve and maybe even a well - deserved rest. May God give to each of you the healing,
comfort and peace you need at this difficult time and may each memory of "Ed" be a blessing.
Marcia Haugarth, Ovilla UMC Choral Director _______________ I am truly sorry to hear of Ed's passing. He was one of the finest men I have ever
known, and was a role model for me. I will miss him, but I am sure The Lord has work for him to do.
Tim Smith _______________
Words
cannot express the sadness. Deepest sympathy to the Owens Family. May he rest in peace.
Amy Steinmetz &
Family, Kaitlyn Owens, Patricia Setar & Family _______________
I'm
so saddened by your loss. Ed was a rock for so many people in so many ways, and his influence will be sorely missed. Loving
thoughts go out to Sandy and the kids, Betsy, Phyllis, George, and the whole family. God bless you all.
Fern-Marie
Dempsey _______________
What a beautiful service yesterday. When I think
of ED at Allison I picture him in the kitchen. He will be missed. Jane Lerch _______________
Ed Was a classmate of mine. His Dad was our family dentist for many years. Was so glad to see him at
the 50 year class reunion and was so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Judy &
Bob Showers.
Judy (Manola) Showers _______________
My sincere
sympathy to Ed's family. He was an incredible leader and volunteer for CASAC, CASEF, and PJAS (science organizations)
for so many years. Students as well adults benefitted from knowing and working with Ed. He fought a good fight, and now
he is finally at peace. We'll still miss him.
Pam Foster _______________
It was with sorrow
that I learned of the death of Ed Owens. Although we all knew the medical issues that were facing him, we always hold on
to the possibility of a miracle. These are some of the memories that I have of Ed.
Over the years at Allison
he was a driving force to identify the issues facing the church and then provided the leadership to move things forward.
His skills were on display at Allison Leadership Retreats and Church Council meetings. He had a clear vision of what needed
to be done to avoid a stagnant church and worked endlessly to accomplish those goals. Unfortunately towards the end, health
issues necessitated that he step back and let others lead the way, building on many of those original objectives.
For years, he and Sandy sang in the Allison Senior Choir and were supportive of the music program. It was in recognition
of his devotion that on March 10, 2013, the choir presented a dedicatory anthem in his honor. The dedication statement read:
Presented in honor of Ed Owens for his dedicated leadership and direction for Allison's future and for singing with
the senior choir. The anthem entitled New Beginnings was specifically selected for him and had a message of hope and direction
for the future.
This is the day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on,Time to believe what love is
bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone. Then let us, with the Spirits daring, step from the past and leave behind
our disappointment, guilt and grieving, seeking new paths, and sure to find.
Ed loved his church and the people.
I recall one hot summer day when he and I planted many shrubs and perennials in the flower bed in the front of Allison,
plants that he had specifically purchased because they were friendly to butterflies. On the day of the annual spring cleanup
at the church he would remain after the others had left, doing additional trimming to add the finishing touches. Allison
church was often the benefactor of his expertise and energy. One example of his many projects was the Allison kitchen as
it was transformed into a first class facility where Ed also took pride in preparing meals for the congregation and other
groups. When it became necessary to have the Allison sanctuary organ removed, Ed was there to assist the technicians with
the task at hand.
In personal conversations with Ed, he was focused on what needed to be done in order for Allison
to grow. He once commented that, like Moses, he hoped to get to the Promised Land even if he didn't get to actually enter
it. As the Carlisle United Methodist Church continues to move forward, his legacy will be remembered. Ed Owens has now entered
HIS Promised Land given to him by his faith.
Ken Houser _______________
Ed
was a friend, a colleague, a treasure to all who knew him! Wherever science educators in Pennsylvania meet we will remember
him with gratitude for his dedication to our cause, and we will miss him. Meg Burton and Tom Conners
Meg Burton
Conners _______________
Ed was a great friend and mentor to me. He was
always there for anyone in need and will be greatly missed by many. I will forever treasure my last visit with him and the
encouragement he has always give to me. Ed may God's arms be around you now and forever. My deepest condolences to Ed's
family. May you know that Ed has had a great impact on the lives of so many. God Bless You!
Carli Yeager-Hall _______________ Your message of condolence will appear here.
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