Paul James Owens

January 9, 1944 - September 16, 2014

SGM (Ret) Paul James Owens, son of the late Raymond Wesley and Carolyn (James) Owens, was born January 9, 1944 in Long Island City, New York. Paul spent his whole childhood in the Long Island area and graduated from school. As a young man, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served his country faithfully during Korea and Vietnam until his retirement in 1989. He had attained the rank of Sergeant Major and earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Army Commendation Medal (7th Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1sat Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon “4”, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge and Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster). While in the military, Paul was sent to Germany and while there, he met the love of his life, Irene Maria Himmelein. They were united in marriage on February 3, 1970 in Frankfort, Germany. They shared over 44 years of marriage together and were blessed with one daughter: Corina. After retiring from the military, Paul served as a Junior ROTC officer and math teacher until the age of 62 when his health began to decline. In 2006, Paul and Irene moved to the St. Robert to be near their daughter. In his spare time, Paul enjoyed music, especially playing the trumpet. He liked trains and being outdoors while fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Paul was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Paul passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2014 in the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 70 years. Paul leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Irene Owens of the home; one daughter: Corina Erna Paradee (Dale) of Waynesville, MO; four grandchildren: Rachel Beck (Brian), Andrew Pagan and Cassandra and Victoria Paradee, two great grandchildren: Tyler and Alyssa Beck; other relatives and friends. Paul was a very loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa. Even though he is gone from our sight, he will forever live in our hearts. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. The song “Amazing Grace” was played and serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.