James M. Owen

James M. Owen, 85, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at McCrite Plaza in Topeka. He was born on October 13, 1925 in Lamkin, TX, one of nine children born to Ben E. and Lillie Stevens Owen.

He was a career Army and Air Force veteran, serving 28 years including service during WWII and the Korean War where he was awarded the Purple Heart. After retiring, he and his wife resided in Keller, TX.

James married Alice E. Owen on January 11, 1951 in San Antonio, TX. She preceded him in death on April 14, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Peggy Bush on November 29, 2007. Survivors include two daughters; Mary Collar and Nancy Lloyd, both of Topeka, fourteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and four siblings, Della Crowder, Wayne Owen, Joe Lee Owen and Bobby Owen.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home in Colleyville, TX. Burial will follow in Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park Cemetery. James will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd., Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel is in charge of Topeka arrangements.