Wayne Lee Owen

Wayne Lee Owen, US Air Force Retired, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2016 in Biloxi, MS. He was 78. Wayne was born in Dayton, OH on July 15, 1937 and grew up in Detroit, MI. After graduating from high school in 1954, he joined the Air Force. He was nicknamed “Basic” because he was always on time and dedicated to regulations! Wayne was stationed at Westover AFB, Springfield, MA where he met Barbara Wetherby at a roller skating rink. After a year tour in Greenland, they were married on July 27, 1958. They traveled from New Salem, MA to AF bases in CA, GA & MI. Wayne cross-trained into Electronics in Biloxi, MS, where his son, Michael was born in 1962. Then on to Cape Cod, MA and a year tour in Thailand in 1967. Before Wayne left for Thailand, the family went on a traveling trip from MA to CA along a southerly route and then back thru more northerly way visiting relatives and historical spots and camping at the State & Federal camp sites with tent & gear. We brought Barbara’s sister, Linda (14) along with us. Michael was 5 years old. We left Wayne in Sumter, SC with Barbara’s brother, Bruce & family to go to training school at the AF base there before leaving for Thailand. He was then stationed in KS, where his son, Timothy was born in 1969. He was transferred to Eglin AFB, FL in 1972 and while still in the AF, he started Quality TV Sales & Service (RCA) in Fort Walton Beach, FL where he excelled as an Electronics Technician repairing TV’s & VCR’s. He retired in 1975 and he and his family bought a home in Shalimar, FL. While still owning his business, Wayne decided to become a dealer for Vernor’s Ginger Ale from MI. He traveled in truck & trailer to pick up soda in MI & placed it in different stores locally. He lost the dealership when Pepsi distributor in Pensacola, FL took it over after he worked so hard at it for 1 ½ years. He sold Quality TV in 1985. He trained for long-haul truck driving and worked at this for a little while. Then he moved to Biloxi, MS. He was preceded in death by father, Trevil Owen; mother, Ruth Johnson; sister, Barbara Wild; grandmother, Bathea Johnson; and half-brother, Robert Peran. He leaves his sons Michael and spouse Holly; Timothy and spouse Deborah; and 4 granddaughters: Julianne, Kendall, Lauren, & Maya. Also, half sister-in-law Susan Peran and half-brother, Stephen (Barbara) Peran & nieces & nephew and friends. A graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 11am. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com