George Albert Owens

George Albert Owens, 94, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. George was born on June 11, 1923 in Central City, the son of Paul Kennison Owens and Aleida (Jansen) Owens. He married Genevieve “Genny” West on April 8, 1945 in Centralia and she preceded him in death on June 21, 2017. George is survived by five children: Marcia Owens Atchison and husband Bob of Centralia, Ron Owens and wife Nancy of Florida, Doug Owens and wife Karen of Salem, David Owens and wife Stacey of Florida, and John Owens and wife Radica of Florida; 14 grandchildren: Eric Atchison, Jessica Duzan and husband Jerry, Jennifer Francois and husband Ricky, Angie Wood and husband Donnie, Christie Rickert and husband Matthew, Aaron Owens and wife Haley, Corey Owens and wife Whitney, Shaunda Bundy and husband Derek, Matt Owens, Ryan Owens and wife Ashley, Dustin Owens and wife Cara, Daniel Owens and wife Vanessa, Rachel Owens, and Alycia Owens; 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Joel Pendegraft and Maureen Watkins for their loving and exceptional care of our father and grandfather. George was preceded in death by his parents: Paul and Aleida Owens, his wife of 72 years Genevieve “Genny” Owens, and one sister Dorothy Sutherland. After graduation from Centralia Township High School, George was a draftsman at the IL Central Railroad. He entered the oil business, worked as a Geologist, and eventually became an oil producer in Kentucky. In 1963 he moved his family back to Central City. He was Mayor of Central City, charter member of the Central City Lions Club, and a member of First Baptist Church in Centralia. George and Genny owned and operated Merz Vault Company from 1965-1979. He also spent many years as co-owner of Hillcrest Memorial Park with his late sister, Dorothy Sutherland. Funeral Services for George A. Owens will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Roger Randolph and Dr. Brian High officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Monday, February 26, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorial donations may be made to the Hillcrest Cemetery Care Fund and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia which is honored to be of service to the Owens Family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

George Albert Owens

June 11, 1923 - February 21, 2018