WILMINGTON — Dr. Edward J. Owens, age 93 of Wilmington, North Carolina died Friday, July 22, 2022, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice surrounded by his family after a short illness.
He was born April 18, 1929, in Erie, PA, the son of Edward J. Owens, Sr. and Josephine A. Owens. Dr. Owens served during the Korean conflict in the US Air Force. After his military service, he received his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Gannon University in 1959 and his D.O and M.D. degrees from Kansas City University of Biochemical Sciences in 1964. He then became board certified in Family Medicine.
Dr. Owens had a private practice of Family Medicine in Cambridge Springs, PA from 1965 until 1997. He then retired to Wilmington, NC. During the years of his practice, he was a member of Spencer Hospital, City Hospital, and Meadville Medical Center staffs. He served as President of the Medical Dental Staff at Spencer Hospital for two terms and multiple terms as Secretary/Treasurer of the Meadville Medical Center Dental Staffs. He also served as a Delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society for many years. He was Founder and Medical Director of the Maternal Health Clinic at Spencer Hospital, Medical Director of Stepping Stones Drug and Alcohol Rehab Unit at Meadville Medical Center, Director of Springs Manor Nursing Home, Medical Director of the Women’s State Prison in Cambridge Springs, Co-Medical Director of Student Health Services at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
He was also a member and Past President of the Crawford County Medical Society, and member of the American Medical Association.
Dr. Owens was a member of the following: The Meadville Country Club, The Cape Fear Chordsmen Barbershop Harmony Society, and The Senior Men’s Club of Wilmington, NC. Dr. Owens was also a 32nd degree Mason as well as a Shriner. He volunteered at the Seamen’s Center of Wilmington and the PGA and LPGA golf tournaments in Williamsburg, VA.
Dr. Owens was an advanced skier and a proficient pilot. In 1970, he and his 12-year-old son flew across the USA and back in his single engine airplane.
Upon retirement, he became quite proficient as a craftsman in the construction of fine furniture and making of large stained-glass windows.
Dr. Owens is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, JoAnn Alicia Gourley Owens, his sister-in-law Saundra Gail Gourley, his sons, Dr. Edward A. Owens and his wife Betsy, his son John Edward, daughter Alicia Gail Rugala, and her husband John. He had 3 grandchildren: Alexa Veronesi, Cameron and Carley Owens. He had two sisters, Kathleen Mae Owens Yochim, Lois Ann Sullivan, and many nieces and nephews. A private service was held with family only.
