Lewis Elliott Owen

Lewis Elliott Owen, 83, of Paw Paw, MI, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 30, 1936 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Albert Owen and Roberta (McNutt) Owen-Shafer.

Lewis graduated from State High School, in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1955. He went on to work as a master tool and dye maker for several area companies including Mol-Bee, McPhearsen, and Pan-O-Grav. Lewis grew up listening to and loving music; That carried on throughout his lifetime. In fact, on his last day he sang to the radio as family visited with him. On May 26, 1957, he married the love of his life, Ardith Wheeler at the Kalamazoo Seventh-Day Adventist Church. They were members of several different churches in the area but most recently the Paw Paw Seventh-Day Adventist Church. He served as a Deacon and an Elder at many of the churches they attended. Lewis was always very involved in the youth programs for the churches. He served as secretary for the State Michigan Advanced Partners Church Program with a fierce passion for mission. Lewis loved history, photography, reading, and tinkering with mechanical things. He loved anything with a motor and could aptly take it apart and put it back together better than it was. He was a wonderful and attentive husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to travel the country and make memories together as a family in the pick-up camper.

Surviving are his Wife of 63 years, Ardith Ruth Owen, Sons, Craig Owen and Elliott Owen, Daughter, Cheryl (Jon) Gibson, Grandchildren, Randal (Mia Waite) Owen, Ashley (William Cross) Owen, Jeremy Owen, Alexandria (Brian) Peters, Kyle (Jalen) Gibson, Great-Grandchildren, Will Cross, Luna & Athena Peters, and one more on the way; Sisters, Kathleen (Hugh) Brockway and Maureen (Dick) Latora. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, Albert L. Owen and Roberta Shafer, and his Brother, Larry Owen.

Friends will be received at Paw Paw Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 60409 M-40, on Friday, June 12, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  followed immediately by a celebration of life beginning at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Taylor officiating. Interment will take place later in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, MI.

Contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the ADRA Mission Program. To sign the online tribute page, go to www.adamspawpaw.com.