Representative Kenneth Ervin Owen View All Years

KENNETH E. OWEN

Mr. Speaker: Your committee, appointed to prepare a suitable resolution commemorating the life, character, and public service of the late Honorable Kenneth E. Owen begs to submit the following Memorial:

Kenneth E. Owen was born September 1, 1918, in Jerome, the son of Samuel and Vera (Sedgwick) Owen. He attended Centerville High School and Centerville Junior College. He married Frances Hamm in 1937.

He and his wife farmed for many years in Jerome. He was Secretary of Agriculture from 1965-1966 and a fieldman for ASCS. He was instrumental in creating the Rathbun Regional Water Association of Centerville where he served as executive director for 20 years. He was selected Iowa Rural Water Manager of the Year, elected into the Iowa Rural Water Hall of Fame and served on the Iowa Rural Water Board of Directors. He was Iowa Master Pork Producer, Iowa Master Corn Grower and named the Daily Iowegian’s Citizen of the Year.

Mr. Owen served on the board of the Appanoose county Farm Bureau for six years, and was chairman for two years. He was a member of the Jerome school board for nineteen years.

A Democrat, Mr. Owen was a member of the Fifty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, and Fifty- eighth General Assemblies.

Kenneth E. Owen died January 23, 2001, at the age of 82. He is survived by his daughter, Diana Glenn (John) of Jerome; a son, Keith Owen (Sharon) of Centerville, and four grandchildren.

Now Therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Eightieth General Assembly of Iowa, That in the passing of the Honorable Kenneth E. Owen, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

Be It Further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

KURT SWAIM

RICHARD D. ARNOLD

MARY GASKILL

Committee