Reverend Herbert A. Owen, retired United Methodist minister, a man abundant in grace, humility, intellect, and heart, died at his home in Athens, Georgia, on October 13, 2015, surrounded by loving family and friends who will remain forever grateful for his presence. Herb was born on September 25, 1929, in Omega, Georgia, the son of Philip Owen and Missouri Stone Owen. His father died when he was nine, and the family moved to Americus, Georgia, where Herb graduated from high school, and worked for Goodyear for six years as he discerned his vocation, the ministry. Heeding his call to the ministry, he attended LaGrange College from 1953-57, where he discovered a love for literature, philosophy, German, choral singing, and where he met his first wife, Dahlia Martinez. Graduating with honors, he completed his postgraduate degree at Candler School of Theology in 1961. Widely respected for his thoughtful, insightful preaching, he served the following churches for a total of 41 years in the North GA conference, before retiring in 1998: Almon Methodist in Covington; Trinity Methodist in Augusta; Princeton Methodist in Athens; Snellville UMC in Snellville; Riverdale UMC in Riverdale; North Springs UMC in Sandy Springs; Bethesda UMC in Lawrenceville; St. Paul UMC in Marietta; Buford UMC in Buford; and Tuckston UMC in Athens where he held the title of Pastor Emeritus. His ministry displayed a gift for compassion and a welcome to all. He tended his flocks with great care.
Herb delighted in the early morning fishing trip, his backyard of carefully tended roses, a good historical autobiography, the adventures of his grandchildren, and visits with his family and many friends. He continued always to learn, question, and to grow in his abiding faith, tested deeply with Dahlia’s sudden death in 1995. In 1998, however, he found a new beginning with his marriage to Reverend Carolyn Morris, and the two of them lived their days with much happiness, zest for life, and mutual love.
Herb is preceded in death by his first wife, Dahlia Martinez Owen; son, Chris Owen; son-in-law, Chris Mason; brothers, Zeddie Owen and Stewart Owen, and sister, Mattie Lou Lashbrook. Survivors include his wife of 17 years, Reverend Carolyn Morris; daughter, Mary Lynn Owen, son-in-law, Rob Cleveland, and grandchildren, Andrew and Eloisa; son, Phil Owen, daughter-in-law, Sabrina Owen; daughter, Jennie Owen Mason, and grandson, Michael Mason; granddaughter, Anastasia Owen; granddaughter, Symphony Ragan, son-in-law, Micah Ragan, and great grandson, Jared Ragan; the children and grandchildren of Carolyn Morris; friends from each of his congregations; and by the devoted caregivers from Burton Home Care who grew to know and love him.
He has been a rich blessing to us all.
The family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Tuckston United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. A light lunch will be provided at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to LaGrange College or American Parkinson’s Disease Association.
Lord and Stephens, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

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