Owens, John E.

John E. Owens, 53, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at his brother Jerome's home near Palo. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Church of the King, 3750 F Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor Donald Glazier. Friends may visit Saturday at the church after 10 a.m. American Legion Post 727 will present military honors. Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids is serving the family.

John is survived by his wife, Nafisa; son, Rashid, and daughter, Amber; his parents; two brothers, Jerome (Helen) Owens and Zale (Chris) Owens; aunts, Connie, Margaret, Betsy and Janis; uncles, Larry and Buzz; and his nieces and nephews, Phillip, Nicholas, Brooke, Bobbie, Shelly and Cassie.

Preceding John in death were his great-grandparents, John (Margaret) M. Owens and Ernest (Diane) W. Smith; his uncle, Joe; and aunt, Jean.

John Edwin Owens was born Oct. 28, 1956, to John R. Owens of Palo and Ruth C. Owens of Cedar Rapids. John was a member of the Shellsburg Church and attended school and graduated from Shellsburg in May 1974. After school he went into the Marine Corps for seven years where he was given his sergeant stripes and fed 3,000 men three times daily. John was awarded commendations on paper and stature for his efforts in the Marine Corps.

John had a pride for his children and a passion for culture. He loved spending his time with family and will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be directed to his family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at