Heaven gained a new resident, John Adrian Owens on Saturday, April 4th. John was born on March 3, 1940 to Clarence Adrian Owens and Etta Clyde Cates Owens. He was preceded in death by both his parents, a sister Marion Owens Burgess, a son-in-law Richard Jinks and two sets of very special brothers & sisters-in-law; Harry Bryant & Inez Thurlkill and Tomie & Madeline Amis and sister-in-law Pamela Owens.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 56years Frances Marlene Thurlkill Owens, daughter Johnette Owens Jinks and son Ben Owens all of El Dorado , 3 grandchildren, Josh Bobbitt, Jessica Perry and her husband Billy, Michael Jinks & his wife Marta. The sweetest joys of his life are his 9 great grandchildren. The first great grandson was given his name and he made sure everyone know who he was named after: Adrian Perry, Benjamin Perry, Chloe Perry, Richard Perry, Declan Bobbitt, Jalyn Upshaw, Madison Jinks, Kennedy Langston & Joshua Jinks. He is also survived by his brother Clarence William Owens of El Dorado and his sister Heather Owens Alexander & her husband Carter of Floresville, Texas. Brothers & sisters-in laws, Floyd & Juanita Thurlkill and Henry & Cindy Thurlkill of El Dorado along with numerous , nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

John wore "many hats" but you were sure to see him in his Stetson and his cowboy boots. John was a member of Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church since his teenage years. John loved his church & his community. He served in many capacities at Mr. Union; currently as a Deacon, church clerk, maintenance committee member and a member of the Golden Agers Club. He also served as an adult Sunday School Teacher. Besides serving his church, John also served his community as a volunteer with the Faircrest Volunteer Fire Department. While building the new station, Frances asked him if he was going to move in there since that's where he spent most of his time making sure "it got done right". He had served as the secretary and was currently serving as the treasure.

John was a tank operator in the National Guard. He was also a member for over 50 years of the Local 706 Welders, Pipefitters & Plumbers Union, following in the footsteps of his grandfather & father. Any time his family went on trips he would make sure that we knew what building he had worked on in each town that we traveled through. John retired from El Dorado Chemical. John was an avid deer & turkey hunter with many trophies to show for his hard work.

There are many, many stories that we can tell on John & they are all true. But what we as a family are the most proud of is that he always was ready, willing and able to help anyone that needed his help anytime that he was called no matter the time of day or night. His laughter, smile & jokes will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Mr. Union Baptist Church Bus Fund or the Faircrest Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Wednesday April 8, 2015 at Perry's Funeral Chapels. Memorial services will be held at 2pm Thursday April 9, 2015 at Mt. Union Baptist Church with Revs. John Ayers, Thomas Freeman and LeRoy Jones officiating.