Visitation:
1/15/2009 09:00:00
Service:
Newark 0h 1/17/2009 14:00:00
Albert J. “AJ” Owens, age 30, resident of rural Plymouth, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born on July 24, 1978 in Newark, Ohio to Donny and Grace (McGee) Owens and had lived in the Willard/Plymouth area since 1999. He was a 1996 graduate of East Knox High School and a 1999 graduate of the Ohio State University. AJ was employed as a train director with CSX in Willard. He was a member of the Long Run United Methodist Church in Fallsburg, Ohio, the OSU Alumni Association and the TCU.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy P. (Kempling) Owens, whom he married on September, 7, 2000; his parents, Donny and Grace Owens of Frazeyburg, OH; four siblings and spouses, Andy (Katie) Owens of Raleigh, NC; Liz (Sunil) Royer-Patel of Mentor, OH; Janice (Ryan) Dennison of Canal Winchester, OH; and Phil Shatto of Canal Winchester, OH; maternal grandparents, John and Lula McGee of St. Louisville, OH; mother-in-law, Jeanne Kempling of London, Ontario; siblings-in-law, Dana Kempling, Andrew Augustine and Erin Kempling of Canada; aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Albert and Glo Owens; and father-in-law, Richard Kempling.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 6031 Fallsburg Road NE, Newark, OH 43055. In lieu of flowers memorial expressions can be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made at www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
I realize this sympathy note comes extremely late. It is with great sadness that I express my condolences to the family of A.J. Owens.
Earlier this month, I heard about A.J.’s passing after talking with a coworker who used to work with him at the CSX yard in Willard. We had been talking about the railroad on the Great Lakes Division which includes the Willard area, and I inquired about A.J. and how he was doing. I had no idea, and I am very sorry. I used to work with A.J. regularly while I was a train dispatcher, albeit remotely via phone and radio from Jacksonville, Florida. When we had down time, we used to talk a lot.
What impressed me the most about A.J. was his spirit. Amidst all he had been through, he remained upbeat and determined to beat the Astrocytoma. From talking with him, I could tell how much he loved his wife, Nancy, and how happy he was to be married to her. Upon hearing that I was a Siena grad, he also never ever let me forget that he was an alumnus of OSU. If the railroad was in particularly bad shape, one only had to talk with A.J. for a few minutes, and he would change your perspective. He had a fantastic sense of humor and always kept his wits about him. Again, I am very sorry to hear about A.J. My family and I will keep him and his family in our prayers.
Dear Donny & Grace, Nancy, Andy, and family: I am so sorry for your loss. A.J. was an amazing person and the world was lucky to have him, even for such an incredibly short time. I hope that the love and support of your family and friends give you strength.
Donny, Grace, and Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. It hurts us so much when someone we love passes away, but we must keep in mind that they are with the lord. Donnie, I have never met Grace or Nancy, but I will always remember Aunt Glo bringing you guys to our home in the summer and we all had such a great time. I’m Margaret Meade’s daughter.
Dear Nancy and family; I too worked with A.J. and found him to be one of God’s blessings. I will always remember him for his upbeat attitude. I don’t believe I ever saw him down. I knew him to be a fighter. I know that my life has been blessed with knowing A.J. and I am truly going to miss him. God just got a new angel. We all have so many good memories of A.J.
Donny and Grace could not believe what Randy Wheeler was saying today at Church. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. It sounds like he was an amazing child of God and now he is a peace with our Father. God Bless Mark, Harriet and family
We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.
Rocky and Deena Brown
Grace and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You come from a good, strong family. I pray this will carry you through this so very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care, Grace.
Michele (Handwerk) Tisdale
Don and Family
I am really sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this time.
In Christian Love
Guy & Gail
To AJ’s family- I am sorry for your loss. I worked with AJ and I want to let you know he was such a delight to work with. It was a joy to communicate with him while working. He always had an extremely positive attitude and it rubbed off on the rest of us working the same shift. Since I heard of his passing he has constantly been in my thoughts and prayers. I will think of AJ every time I go to work. He will not be forgotten!
We are so sorry about this loss and the sadness and pain that you are feeling. Please know that A.J. and all of you are in our prayers and thoughts. Love, Amal and Darcy
Nancy,
Please accept our condolences. A.J. was a wonderful friend to our son Mikey. Our thoughts are with you today.
I had the pleasure of AJ’s company at my dear friend Jeanne Kempling’s 60th birthday luncheon. Neither of us were short on opinions about many subjects and got along wonderfully. AJ possessed a sparkling spirit and the heart of a tiger. Nancy, you were loved to pieces and my thoughts continue to be with you when celebrating his life today.
I wish to express my condolences to the Owens family.. Although a loved on is departed from this earth, they will never be departed from your hearts.
Don & Grace my thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. AJ was a great person and he will be missed. He no longer has to suffer and he is with the Lord. God as planes for all of us so stay strong and he will help you through this sad time.
A Friend IN GOD
Sharon
Grace,Donny and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our sympathy and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will forever stay in many hearts. Love, Joyce, Rod and family
Don Grace,
So sorry to hear of your loss.Though we never met AJ, we know how much he was loved. Liz,Jan and Phil spoke of him so often. Your influence on them was both great and profound. Please know you’re in our thoughts and hearts.
Donny and Grace,
Our thoughts are with you and the family. We were saddened to hear about AJ.
Dear Nancy: Over the years, many people in my extended family have spoken to me in person and via email about AJ and the recurring theme was that he was a wonderful man, smart, funny, and kind. It was always a pleasure to hear of your adventures with each other. My husband Clair and I send our deepest sympathy and loving thoughts to you, your sisters, your brother, your mother, and to all the Owens family.
Donnie and Grace, So sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers have been with you today. Linda
Grace and family, I`m so sorry for your loss of A.J. I remember him at the ball park when our son played at St Louisville. I also remember the incredible love you felt for him and you going to the end of the earth to give him the best treatment ever, May he now rest in the arms of Jesus.
Donny and Grace & Family
Like the great Apostle Paul, AJ fought the fight, he stayed the course, and now is standing with the man with the Man who stilled the waters.
We at Wright Memorial Methodist Church have you in our prayers.
Grace and family, It was my privilege to be AJ’s teacher in fifth grade, and I have never forgotten the intelligent, fun loving, and kind hearted spirit he brought into the classroom. I have often thought of him, and you Grace, with great fondness. I was so sad when I read the paper today. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am fortunate to have been his teacher, and there will always be a special place in my memories for him. Please accept my sincere condolences. Sharon Ressing
Nancy, Donnie and Grace: We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We want to express our sympathies to each family member. We did not know AJ but remember Donnie proudly sharing all the wedding photos. May God comfort each of you during this time.
On behalf of the East Knox Class of 1996, we would like to express our condolences to all of you during this time. AJ was a wonderful person who left a lasting impression in a lot of classmates and he will not be forgotten.
With Deepest Sympathies,
EK CLASS OF 1996
Donny -Grace
so sorry to hear of your loss-Our prayers are with you all.I havenot seen you much since we were young Donny but i’m a cousin Named after Aunt Glo
To A.J.’s family- I would like to express our condolences during this difficult time. Though we never met A.J. we heard many stories about him through his father, and know he was a source of great joy for all of you. May your faith carry you through these hard times.
To A.J.’s family- I would like to express our condolences during this difficult time. Though we never met A.J. we heard many stories about him through his father, and know he was a source of great joy for all of you. May your faith carry you through these hard times.
Deepest sympathies to the entire family. AJ was blessed to have such a loving family. He fought a long hard battle and touched many, many lives. He will be missed. Love-Barry, Leslie & Jeff
Donny and Family
May you always hold the memories that you all have shared with A.J. so close in your minds, and know that he is not far he is right in your heart. May God Bless you all till you meet up with him the beautiful heavens.
Billie
Nancy; Ginette and my thoughts are with you on this sad occasion. We never met AJ but wish we had as he seemed a great guy from all the good things your mother told us about him. Stay strong.
Love
Uncle Al and Ginette.
You are in are prayers–we now have one more “STAR” in the sky to light our way.
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Nancy’s husband. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Dave Rush
London, Ontario.
Dear Nancy: We are so sorry to hear of A.J.’s death. Our most sincere, heartfelt condolence to you and your family. Dave & Mary Bell
Nancy, Donny & Grace,
I can’t imagine the pain or suffering you have indured over the last year. I can only understand the care and love you put forth for AJ and for that I can say he was a very, very lucky husband and son.
I will miss his calls and his attitude towards life as he was dealt. He made my life easier and better because of what he was. A friend,good co-worker,a fighter. I was lucky to have known him. He won’t be forgotten!
Dearest Fancy Nancy,
We have known you since you were 3 years old, and we know what a wonderful wife, daughter and sister, aunt and friend you have been. YOU are a most treasured woman, and we are all sending our love, light and prayers at this most sad time in your life.
We hold you in our hearts Nancy. Know you are loved and cared for deeply. Our condolences to the entire Owens and Kempling Clans.
Elaine, Sandy and Rebecca Wilson
Nancy,I worked with your husband for a couple of years while I was in Willard and we were able to play golf a few times and became true friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.My family will keep you in our prayers.
Donny, Grace and Andy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers, AJ learned to be a fighter because he was surrounded by amazing people. The world is a better place because of people like AJ. God Bless You.
Nancy may God be with you and the family at this time. Mom and I both send our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy. You are in our prayers.
Kevin & Janet Pollock
London Ontario
Donny, Grace, Andy, Nancy and all the rest of the family, My heart is breaking right now. I am so sorry to learn about AJ. God Bless Him- he fought so hard. And God Bless you all for loving him so much. He will be missed. I am sending you hugs and holding you in my heart. I am so sorry. Love, Nancy and Lowell Grube
We are so sorry for your loss. Are thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Ogle and Family
Nancy, I want you to know that I am sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of family. May God hold you and help you through this difficult time.