Russell Thayer Owens

Born in Leon, Iowa on February 25, 1932
Departed on April 16, 2006. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Russell Thayer "Russ" Owens, 74, of 741 30th Street SE, died at home, Sunday, April 16, 2006 after an extended illness. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Wednesday at All Saints Catholic Church by the Rev. David O'Connor. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A vigil service will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Patricia; five sons, Russell "Dan" and Denise Owens of Iowa City, Mark and Karen Owens, Phillip and Lori Owens, Patrick and Jennifer Owens, and Anthony Owens, all of Cedar Rapids; five daughters, Theresa and Robert McGlashing, and Deanna Owens, all of Cedar Rapids, Lisa and Brian Eastwood of Solon, Regina and Joe Smith of Davenport, and Mary and Richard Wells of Center Point; two sisters, Marie and George Jones of Clinton, and Kay and Terry Craig of Indianapolis, IN; a half brother, Larry Owens of Leon; a half sister, Eleanor and Jerry Gage of Osceola; a sister-in-law, Connie Owens of Seattle, WA; a brother-in-law, Clate Vanderpool of Des Moines; 31 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; a brother; and a half sister.

Russ was born February 25, 1932 in Leon to Russell and Louise Toney Owens. He graduated from high school in KoKura, Japan, returning to Iowa with his mother and siblings. He enlisted in the Army and went to Korea where he spent all of 1952 on the 38th Parallel with the 3rd Infantry Division. After returning home he married Patricia Klopp "Patty Cake" on September 24, 1955 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion. He worked as a conductor and engineer on the Rock Island Railroad, the Iowa Northern and Iowa Interstate for 32 years, retiring in 1992 because of health. He was a member of the VFW #788, the United Transportation Union, and All Saints Catholic Church. Russ was an avid Cubs and Hawkeye fan.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Mercy for the wonderful care Russ received.

Instead of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

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Cemetery