Rev. Donald Lee Owens

Rev. Donald Lee Owens, age 75, of Henderson, passed away peacefully at 1:52 p.m. Monday July 24, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. 

Born October 20, 1947, a native of Henderson,  he was the son of the late Robert Owens and Clara Bell Hatchett Hairlson. 

He was baptized at an early age at Greater Norris Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson by Rev. Austin Bell, was a faithful member of New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson where he was ordained as a deacon in 1983 and ordained as a minister in 1991, and served as pastor of the Smithfiled Baptist Church in Rockport, Indiana from 2005-2012.

He was a 1965 graduate of Henderson City High School,  a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and also served in the National Guard until 1972.  He was a helicopter door gunner and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman Badge, and Expert Badge.  He served as a student mentor at Earle C. Clements Job Corps in Morganfield, Kentucky, worked as a technician at K.B. Alloy Aluminum Plant in Robards, Kentucky, and enjoyed cooking.

He also was preceded in death by his brothers Michael Hairlson and Charles Hairlson; and by his sisters Phyliss Hairlson and Patrice Hairlson Price. 

He leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 47 years Theda J. Owens of Henderson; his son Rev. Lynn (Jennifer) Owens of Madisonville; two brothers Gary (Shelitta) Hairlson of St. Louis, Missouri and Brian Hairlson of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his sister Alicia (Carl) Garrett of Henderson and step-sister Andrea Lewis of Owensboro; ten grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A special thanks to his caregivers Terrance Thompson and Myrtle Carter, and also St. Anthony's Hospice of Henderson who cared for him like family.

His life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Saturday July 29, 2023 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Henderson. 

The Rev. Robert L. Whitlock will officiate. 

Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson with military honors performed by the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and  American Legion Post 40 of Henderson.

Visitation and wake services will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time Saturday July 29, 2023 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. 

Elliott-Bowles Mortuary in Madisonville is in charge of his professional services and arrangements. 

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.elliottmortuarycares.com.  

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