WILLIAM H. OWEN. VALHALLA, WESCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
The death of Brigadier William H. Owen occurred Monday morning, March 17th, at Philadelphia. Mr. Owen had seemed in his usual good health the Thursday previous to his death, attending band practise. The following morning he suffered a heart attack but those closest to him little realized that the end was so near. He had expressed the desire many times to be able to go quickly when his time came.He was born in Wales, September 13th, 1875, coming to the United States with his parents at the age of 12. They made their home in Granville and from there he entered the Training Home of the Salvation Army. Had he been able to continue his service for three more weeks he would have won a much coveted second Long Service Star denoting a total of 45 years of unbroken officership. He had spent 16 years of this time in untiring labor at Philadelphia.
He had commanded some of the leading corps of the Eastern territory including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Pittsburg, Charleston, Philadelphia and Reading. He was extremely popular among young people and with all he was a favorite.
Memorial Temple in Philadelphia was crowded to capacity by friends and comrades who gathered Wednesday evening, March 19th, to pay tribute to the departed. Major S. Hepburn directed the service and paid sincere tribute to the faithful stewardship of the Brigadier. "The Brigadier," Major Hepburn said "was the dean of the field and headquarters staff of the division, oldest in years as well as in service. But more than that," he said, "Brigadier Owen was a leader in affairs of the spirit, a keen, and devout student of the Scriptures and stalwart champion of the faith. Affectionately known as 'Pop' he was truly a a father to all in counsel as well as in example."
Music for the service was provided by the Lehigh band. Following prayers, the body was taken to the Kensico cemetery, where Lieutenant Colonel Norman Marshall led the service, supported by Major Hepburn and members of the Philadelphia Divison Staff. Evoy J. Stanley Sheppard, associated with Mr. Owen Spoke with stirring eloquence of his years of service.
Among the survivors of Mr. Owen are his widow and three children; also two sisters, Mrs. Hugh Griffiths and Mrs. Gordon Williams of Granville.
Granville Sentinel ~ April 17th, 1941.
WILLIAM H. OWEN. VALHALLA, WESCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Word was recieved here of the death in Philadelphia of Brigadier William H. Owen, who was in charge of Salvation army work in this city from 1930 to 1931. He was 65.He was to have retired from active service in June.
Arrangements have been made to conduct a memorial service in his honor at the Reading headquarters of the Salvation Army on Sunday night, Maj. William Perkins, of Philadelphia, will officiate.
Brigadier Owen was in Salvation Army service for 45 years. After his transfer from this city in 1931 he was made a divisional prison secretary in Philadelphia.
Surviving are his widow and several children. Funeral services will be held in Memorial Temple, Broad and Fairmount streets, Philadelphia, Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Burial will be in the Salvation Army plot of Kensico Cemetary at Kensico, N.Y.