Owens, 87

Owens was born on March 1, 1922 to Clark and Edna Hamilton in Celina, Tenn. He grew up as many other children in the community, running up and down the hill sides of Freehill. He was an active member of the Freehill Church of Christ. He was known to his friends as Merbel or Pepper and to his family as Daddy O. He met his soul mate, Ethel Garrett and they married and had four children. They spent 63 wonderfully years together getting to know each other. Owens was a US Army veteran from World War 2.

He worked as a mechanic for the Ford Garage in Celina Tenn. and later worked for the Windle Family Garage. He spent 25 years working for the US Fish & Wildlife Service before retiring in 1987. After retiring, he spent a lot of time with his dog (baby), who he never left home without. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Clark & Edna Hamilton; wife Ethel Hamilton; brothers Calvin & Gilbert & Aldon  Hamilton; sisters Thelma & Clorina Andrews, Eva Garrett, Golda Tubbs; granddaughter Teresa Andrews. He is survived by his children Thelma (Jack) Andrews, Mary Bartlett, Louis (Kathleen) Hamilton, Naomi (George) Johnson; grandchildren, James, Neal, Diana Bartlett, Edward Hamilton Jr., Patricia Andrews, Tonya Andrews, Malcolm Hamilton; Eleven Great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and a special friend Rosa Walker. One very special friend who was like a brother to him Jimmy Philpott. Owens was a friend to everyone and will be missed.