Donald Owen

Owen, Donald Eugene 9/11/1929 - 11/1/2016 Richland Lt. Col. Donald Eugene Owen, 87, of Richland, MI went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. Born to James and Loretta Owen on September 11, 1929, Don attended Albion College and in 1951, graduated from Western Michigan University where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later earned his MA in Educational Administration. He was united in marriage to his college sweetheart, Millicent (Millie) Milburn in 1951. Don worked as a teacher and principal at Parchment Public Schools and as a teacher and administer in the Kalamazoo Public School System. He served in the Air National Guard, graduating from Navigators School, then transferred to the Army to fly smaller aircraft. He served as both an active duty officer and reservist for 25 years before mandatory retirement in 1981. He also served in Viet Nam as a reconnaissance pilot, where he received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. He was also a recipient of the Army Commendation Award and the Meritorious Service Medal. His passion for flying carried over to his private life. As an avid pilot, he owned many small planes which he flew with friends and family and which he generously volunteered to those who needed passage. He served as an Air Deputy with the Kalamazoo County Sheriffs Department and met regularly with his unofficial flying club buddies at Callahan's Restaurant and later, the Olympia. Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Millicent; sons, David Owen, Seattle, WA; Thomas Owen, Richland; Stephen Owen, Portage; daughter, Katherine (Jeffery) Bright, Portage, and two grandchildren, Lauren (Casey) Lamb, Milwaukee, WI and Jordan Bright, Kalamazoo. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank Owen, Holland, MI and John (Barbara) Owen, Punta Gorda, FL. He is preceded in death by his brother Dean Owen. Services, with full military honors, will be held on November 18, 2016 promptly at 11:00 A.M. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012, with a reception following at the home of Kathi and Jeff Bright, 6850 Trotwood St., Portage, MI 49024. All are welcome. The family would like to thank both Rose Arbor Hospice and the VA Medical Center for their excellent and compassionate care. Memorial donations may be made to the Gospel Mission of Kalamazoo, MI. To sign Don's online guestbook or leave a message of sympathy please visit www.MichiganCremation.co