Earl W. Owens, 68, of Point Pleasant, went home to be with his Lord on Friday morning, December 23, 2011, at his home. Earl was retired from Verizon, as an engineering associate. Earl was a veteran of the United States Navy and was a member of the American Legion, Mason County Post #23. He was also an ordained minister for Evangelistic Messenger's Association and was the pastor of Camden Temple, in Parkersburg, for several years.

He was a member and past Master for the following Ohio Masonic Lodges; Belpre, Siloam, Doric and Vinton. He was a 32nd Degree York Rite, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite and belonged to the Shrine. He was a past District Education Officer and past District Deputy Grand Master for 17th Masonic District of Ohio and past president of the 12th Masonic District. He was his lodges' Education Officer, Secretary and organ for many years. He was instrumental in working to build and remodel a kitchen for the Siloam Lodge. He installed a new bathroom and remodeled the new library, which was dedicated and named for him. He placed two square and compasses on the outside of the building to be recognized from the road. He placed new windows and remodeled Doric Lodge. He was one of the first Masons to help build Belpre #609 Lodge and came up with the financing system used to finance the building of the Lodge. Earl was certainly the first in line to help anyone who needed help, financially or otherwise.

Earl was born on March 5, 1943, in Parkersburg, a son to the late Earl E. and Tressa (Cooper) Owens. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two daughters, Darla Owens Joseph and Geneva Dawn Owens; two sisters, Sharon Owens Limberger and Trena Owens Jordan; and one great-grandson.

Earl is survived by his wife, Betty Roach Owens; two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl W. and Ronda Owens, II and Michael Lee and Jennifer Owens, all of Marietta; daughter and son-in-law, Missy and Clark Riffle, of Eleanor; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce F. and Joyce Owens, of Perryville, MO; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Earl's life will be remembered at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at the Crow-Hussell Funeral Home, with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Kirkland Memorial Gardens, where Military Graveside Honors will be performed by the American Legion, Mason County Post #23. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, December 27, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with Masonic services following the visitation, with the Siloam Lodge, Cheshire, Ohio, presiding.

Earl's care has been entrusted to Crow-Hussell Funeral Home. An online registry is available at www.crowhussellfh.com.