John Owens, Sr.

On March 3rd, 2022, John Matt (Johnny) Owens, Sr., 74 years old, passed on to eternal glory with his Lord and Savior after a long, difficult battle with dementia. He was born on April 23rd, 1947, in Meldrum, Kentucky, to the late Nathaniel “Than” and Reeda Mae (Warren) Owens. Johnny was the second youngest of ten children, the seventh of seven sons. He grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky and always felt like it was his home here on this earth. After losing both of his parents during his teenage years, Johnny moved to Albion, Michigan before settling in Concord, Michigan. He worked for Albion Malleable Iron/Hayes-Albion Corporation, remaining there for 30 years until retirement.

Johnny married and had three children, Stacey, John, and Jaimee. His faith was very important to him and he attended various Baptist churches over the years. Johnny’s interests and passions included: his children, always supporting them at their sporting events; caring for and helping others; “cutting up” and making people laugh; along with all things automobile, fixing the cars of family, friends, and those of many folks broken down on the side of the road. His pride and joy was his red 1968 Pontiac GTO, which he passed on to his son, John.

A favorite pastime of Johnny’s involved driving to new places and exploring new areas. He delighted in coming across an out of the way little general store, an ice-cream shop, or a park yet visited where memories could be made with his kids. Johnny liked taking “the long way home” whenever possible to “see something different.” His sense of adventure and exploration made road trips fun.

After retiring, Johnny remained a few more years in Michigan before moving to North Carolina and then on to Tennessee, living near each of his children for a time. Ultimately, he was taking “the long way home.”

Along with his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by brothers: Robert (Cornia), Clifford (Lillian), Luther (Fannie), Dewey, and Willis; sisters: Alma (TJ), Mary Alice, and Elizabeth; and several beloved extended family members.

Those surviving Johnny are daughter, Stacey Owens-Molton and husband, Daniel Molton of Hayesville, NC; son, John Owens and wife, Casey of Morristown, TN; daughter, Jaimee Owens of Battle Creek, MI; granddaughter, Shaylee Fausz and fiancé, Joseph Penny of Manistee, MI; granddaughter, Chesney Molton of Hayesville, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Nathaniel and Myrtle Owens of Albion, MI; sister-in-law, Margaret Seals of Middlesboro, KY, and sister-in-law, Judy Owens of Homer, MI; along with a special host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Johnny’s wish to be home and buried next to his parents in Middlesboro, KY, at the Cannon Creek Cemetery, came true on March 8th, 2022. He desired a simple, humble passing without a public service. Loved ones plan to gather in private ceremonies. To honor him, please consider having a cup of coffee, his favorite, while recalling a memory of him that makes you smile or laugh. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please use any intended gift to support dementia prevention efforts or to help someone in need. Johnny always exemplified this by helping anyone and everyone to the very best of his ability.

What a comfort to all who know him that Johnny is now truly HOME with his Heavenly Father, reconnecting with his loved ones there. We’ll miss him but look forward to hearing his laughter and enjoying many new adventures with him one day soon.

Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, Kentucky, is in charge of all arrangements.

Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.cawoodfh.com.