John L. Owen
John L. Owen, 78, of Waynesburg died Saturday, October 22, 2022.
Cherishing him in memory are his beloved wife of 38 years, Jane; his children, Jonathan (Bethany) and Jill Nicholson (Andrew); and three adored grandchildren, Cole Emmett, Ellee June and Avery Jane; sister-in-law, Mary Dixon (Gene); and brother-in-law, Bill Schomp (Nancy).
A traveler with an endless curiosity about the world, John had a treasure of anecdotes and was a gifted storyteller. His journeying began in 1969 with an excursion to Europe. He eventually visited 24 countries, hosted four Rotary exchange students (including Fredrik Dahl, who became a part of his family and a Swedish movie star), and instilled in his children the value and wonder of traveling the world.
John was a talented artist. Working in watercolor and stained glass, he brought beauty and joy to the many recipients of his art. Another art form was John’s cooking. He created the popular Lettuce Patch in Waynesburg in 1980. Implementing an idea that had come to him in a dream, within six weeks he had painted the 23-ft. walls with scenes from the Montmartre section of Paris. After selling the restaurant in 1990, he continued utilizing his culinary talents by catering events of all sizes, from high school graduations to meals for three Pennsylvania governors. Yet another art form he enjoyed was community theatre, where his favorite roles were Felix from “The Odd Couple” and the Cowardly Lion from “The Wizard of Oz”. His theatre background would have been on display if he had followed another dream and competed on Jeopardy, one of his favorite television shows.
Born June 22, 1944, he was a son of the late Denzel “Dig” Owen and Edna Jobes Owen. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved sister, Peggy Owen Fearer; and his aunts, Helene Scott (James) and Margarette (Burdette) White.
John was a graduate of Waynesburg High School, Class of 1962. (He attended his 60th class reunion in September.) He also held an MBA from Waynesburg College (now University).
John’s first job was with the department store AE Troutman Company. He later worked as the director of food service & marketing at Greene County Memorial Hospital, executive director of United Way, and Habitat for Humanity. He also worked at Polo Ralph Lauren as long as his health permitted.
John was a lifelong resident of Waynesburg and took pride in living in Greene County. He was a three-time president of the Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful, a founding member of Artisans Consignment Art Gallery, and a member of the Rain Day Special Events Commission for 26 years.
John attended the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg most of his life. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg at the time of his death.
John wanted to commend the entire staff of the WVU Cancer Center, as well as his friends and family, for being with him throughout this last journey. John will be donating his body to the WVU Medical Center.
A gathering to celebrate John’s life well lived will be Sunday, October 30, at Valley View Farm, 102 Orndorff Road, Waynesburg. Family and friends are welcome between the hours of 2 to 4 p.m., when a time of reflection and memories will be held to conclude our time of remembrance.