Gerald Worth Owen

Gerald "Jeep" Owen, 76, passed away Friday October 12, 2012 at St. Joseph Hospital in Asheville following a period of declining health. Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Andrew Vess and Mae Shelton Owen. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Helen Owen Auer, Oberia Owen Lewis and Alma Owen Robinson; Six brothers: Billy, Alton, Arnold, Harry, Tommy and A.V. (Junior) Owen, and a special nephew, Mike Lewis. Mr. Owen served in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S.Army stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he played semi-professional basketball and football for the Army. Jeep played fast-pitch softball for F&P Supermarket for many years during his "younger days." He loved all sports, especially his Carolina Tar Heels and the Atlanta Braves. Prior to retirement, Jeep was employed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for over 40 years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling funny stories, fact or fiction! He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen Moody Owen Daughter- Kim Owen Buchanan and husband Stacy of Sylva Son- Mark and wife Cindy Owen of Sylva 4 Grandchildren- Krysta Buchanan Cooper and husband Zeke of Sylva, Kameron Buchanan of Sylva, Courtney Owen Luther and husband Cody of Little Canada and Kaleigh Owen of Sylva 2 Great-Grandchildren- Khloe Owen Moore and Braeden Owen Moore of Sylva. A Great-grandson, Braxxton Owen Moore also preceded Jeep in death. Funeral Services will be 8:00 PM Monday October 15, 2012 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Earl Holden officiating; the family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 PM prior to the Service at the Funeral Home. Burial will be 2:00 PM Tuesday October 16, 2012 at Addie Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by American Legion Post 204. Pallbearers will be Kameron Buchanan, Cody Luther, Jason Moody, Ethan Norton, Mike Moody and Zeke Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Mike, Russ, Matt and Scott Moody and Tommy Biddix Jeremiah Biddix In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Addie Cemetery Fund, c/o Connie Flesch, 296 Maple Springs Drive, Sylva, NC 28779 . .