Benjamin P. Owen

Major Benjamin P. Owen, 77, of Goshen, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in Fayetteville, Ark. He was born Oct. 11, 1935, in Rustin, La., to Benjamin J. Owen and Autrey (Blake) Owen and raised in Hope, Ark. He was a retired cattle and horse farmer, the president of the Trail Association in Fiftysix, Ark., and a Baptist. He was also a retired major in the U.S. Army having served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military career, he was awarded two Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Stars with valor, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Accommodation Medals with Valor, seven Air Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star, Vietnam Service Medal and Combat Infantry Badge. He is survived by two daughters, Laurie Owen of Goshen, Ark., and Raven Owen of Bee Branch, Ark.; one son, Gary Owen of Heber Springs, Ark.; one brother, James Owen of Gassville, Ark.; two sisters, Betty Rowe and husband, Bernie of Kingman, Ariz., and Judith Ann Hipp and husband, David of Cabot, Ark.; one half-sister, Sherry Lee McKnight of Harrison, Ark.; his step-mother, Frances McKnight of Mt. Home, Ark.; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Ozarks, 1020 South One Mile Road, Fayetteville, AR 72704. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville.