Kenneth E. Owen, 1918-2001

Ad-Express/Iowegian - 26 January 2001

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  Kenneth E. Owen, 82, of Jerome died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001, at his home.

  He was born Sept. 1, 1918 in Jerome the son of Samual and Vera (Sedgwick) Owen.

  He married Frances Hamm Oct. 7, 1937, in Cincinnati. She preceded him in death.

  Survivors include a daughter, Diana Glenn and her husband, John, of Jerome; a son Keith Owen and his wife, Sharon, of Centerville; a sister, Dorothy Owen of Centerville; and four grandchildren.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Tommy, Hobard, Richard and Donald.

  He attended Jerome Elementary School, Centerville High School and Centerville Junior College He and his wife farmed for many years in Jerome. e was an Iowa  state representative for three terms, was Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and a field man for ASCS. He was instrumental in creating the Rathbun Regional Water Association of Centerville where he served as executive director for 20 years. He was selected Iowa Rural Water Manager of the Year, elected into the Iowa Rural Water Hall of Fame and served on the Iowa Rural Water Board of Directors. He was also Iowa Master Pork Producer, Iowa Master Corn Grower and named the Daily Iowegian's Citizen of the Year

  Funeral services were private, for family only, on Friday with the Rev. Terry Chapman officiating. A reception will follow from 3 to 6 p.m. at his home west of Jerome. Arrangements are being handled by the Johnson-Lange Funeral Home.
  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Cemetery Association.