Wallace "Wally" Owen's Obituary
Wallace Irwin “Wally” Owen, age 94, passed away Friday, September 13, 2024, in Ravenna. He was born August 18, 1930, in Grand Rapids, MI to Richard and Susan (Bates) Owen. Wally was drafted into the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served four years during the Korean War. He served an additional three years in the Michigan National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Sherman Moore Post #297 in Ravenna. Wally met his future wife, Arlene Brisbin, at the Casnovia Dance. They married on August 10, 1951, at the Ravenna United Methodist Church. Together, they enjoyed traveling the entire U.S. except for North Dakota. Arlene sadly passed away on September 12, 2022. Wally worked in a sheet metal shop and installed furnaces for many years. He served on the Ravenna Fire Department, was on the Village of Ravenna Planning Commission, and served as the Ravenna Township Supervisor and Tax Assessor. He was also a member of the Old Newsies and a longtime member of the Ravenna Lions Club since 1966 and was treasurer for 35 years. Wally was also a manager for American Engineering for 20 years, delivered cars and trucks for Herman Chevrolet in Ravenna, drove a delivery truck for Rogers Printing, and drove a bus for Ravenna Schools. He had a popcorn wagon that he took to festivals and parades, sold Christmas trees in Florida for 18 years with Bob Poulin, and sold asparagus with him as well. SURVIVORS include his son, Randy (Nancy) Owen of Texas; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth (Linda) Owen of Florida; many nieces and nephews; and close friends, Chris (Kitty) Fortier. He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Terry Herremans; and brother, Robert Owen. SERVICES for Wally will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Foundations Church of Ravenna with military rites performed under the auspices of the American Legion Sherman Moore Post #297. VISITATION with the family will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2024 also at Foundations Church. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the service Saturday morning. In lieu of flowers, Wally requested donations to Foundations Church, Ravenna Lions Club, or the American Legion Sherman Moore Post #297. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511
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