Booklet from Merle's funeral

Celebrating the life of
Merlin P. Owen

November 12, 1926 - March 27, 2009
Spring Hill, Florida
Merlin P. Owen, son of Mable B. Owen McCabe and Merlin P. Owen Sr., passed away on March 27, 2009. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia (Trish) Koehler Owen, a much loved daughter Karen Nelsen of Gainesville FL, two grand-daughters, Jodi Owen of the town of Newburgh, Christine Owen of the town of New Windsor, two great grand sons and several nieces and nephews in NY and FL. He is predeceased by his son John Owen (Johnny O) of Newburgh, NY, a brother Robert Owen of St Augustine, FL, and a sister Gladys Signarino of Richmond VA. Mr. Owen was an electrician for the DuPont Co. of Newburgh for 17 years. He was also employed by IBM at the East Fishkill facility for 21 years, until he retired from the Facilities Engineering Department. Mr. Owen was a veteran of WW II. He served as a radioman aboard the USS LST 821 for 2 years in the Pacific Ocean theater of operations. In 1951, he was recalled for the Korean war. He served with the Tactical Air Control Squadrons 4 & 6 as a Forward Observer. Mr. Owen, a Master Mason, was a 50 plus year member of Wallkill Lodge #627 F&AM, a charter member of the Winona Lake Fire Co., a member of the ARRL with a general class license, call letters of KC4LPG, a life member in the VFW and the DAV. Burial will be at the Bushnell National cemetery in Bushnell, FL with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Merlin Owen at 12132 Norvell Road, Spring Hill FL 34609.

Sub note…Strange feeling to write your own obit, lol. Love ya baby, I’ll be your special angel, or the head fireman in hell. MWAH!!!!! Get on with your life my babies. Don’t mourn me too long please. Thank you both for all the happiness you gave me.

Merle was a man of faith. He believed in the cause for Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski. In Merle’s memory please join us in continuing to further his cause toward sanctification.

Prayer
Our Lord and God, grant us this grace… through the intercession of Blessed Stanislaus that I may be marked by unwavering trust in You, especially when You lead me upon a thorny path toward the glorious promises of Your love. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Thank You
The pain of loss can never be removed but it can be lessened by the love and support of my family and friends.

Thanks to all who have helped me through this unbelievable time of shock, loss and pain. Thank you so much for your support and love.

I could not have gotten all the planning necessary for this day without Karen and the help of my family and dear friends. I am grateful for your outpouring of love.

How can I begin to thank my dearest friend and light of my life, Merle, for 21 years of love and the love of adventure. He was my anchor and rock of stability, bringing peace to my often chaotic world.

As expressed in our special song we shared, “One love, ageless and evergreen.”
I love you all,
Trish


Sad News

I haven't posted here because on March 27th, Merle, my best friend, husband and soulmate, passed away. I am in shock, and have been going through the days on auto-pilot. Thankfully, Merle passed away in his sleep, with me lying beside him, sharing his pillow. My daughter, too, is having a rough time dealing with this loss. Her natural dad passed away when she was 8 years old. Now, for the second time she is experiencing the pain of loss of her poppy. They had an incredibly strong bond.
I have tried to keep busy with the paperwork and other business matters which need to be taken care of. I am not sure when I will resume making art, I have found it therapeutic in the past, but lately, it is just too hard to draw/sketch with tears in my eyes.