Gary Ernest Owen

Gary Ernest Owen of Caro, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at his home. Born the youngest of eight children to the late Ernest & Lillian (Stamper) Owen, Gary grew up in Curtis and graduated from Newberry High School. Shortly after his graduation, he moved to Flint to work in the Buick Plant. While there, he met the love of his life Carol Bader, and the couple married on November 24, 1972. Gary and Carol moved to Marlette where he worked as a welder at area factories before taking a position with the Ford Motor Company Tractor Plant in Romeo. In 1984, he moved with the company to Georgia for seven years before returning to the Romeo plant, retiring in 2008 after more than twenty-five years of service to Ford. Gary was an avid golfer, loved sports of all kinds and had a deep appreciation for nature. He was kindhearted, had a great love for his family and remained passionate to the end about issues important to him. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Carol Owen of Caro; two children, Vanessa Owen and her fianc, Eric Bahns of Dayton, Ohio; Gina Owen and her husband, Karl Juengel of Woodland Hills, California; two siblings and their spouses, Richard & Marion Owen of Curtis, Joan & George Bader of Lapeer; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by five siblings, Herbert Lawson, Ruby Gehrett, Arbutus Long, Betty Fisher, and Georgia Leveille. In keeping with Gary's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned and details will be announced as they become available. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider contributions to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or the Southern Poverty Law Center.