Arnold C. Owen

Arnold C. Owen, 96, of West Chester, PA passed away at his home under the care of his loving family on July 20, 2023.

Born on March 6, 1927 in Paoli, Indiana, Arnold was the youngest of eight children born to the late Clyde C. and Estie A. (née Clements) Owen. He spent his early years on the family farm in southern Indiana.

He married his late wife, Mary Lou Burns on March 5^th, 1950 and they spent 62 years together before her passing away in 2012.

Arnold served honorably in the US Army during World War II after graduating high school early, in 1945.  He also served in the Indiana National Guard after the war.  During his 40 year career in the railroad, he held various positions in the Pennsylvania RR, Penn Central RR and Conrail, which led the family to live in Indianapolis, IN, Media, PA, Clinton CT, Severna Park, MD and then West Chester, PA. His last position was as a Labor Relations Director for Conrail.

He was a member of Advent Lutheran Church.  He was a proud veteran who served in leadership positions in the American Veterans (AM Vets) and was a member of the American Legion as well as Bradbury Camp #149, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.  In his retirement, he tended a large garden and enjoyed yardwork and could often be seen driving his tractor on his property even up until two months ago.  He was a person who lived for his “projects” and was driven to be active and productive. In the winter, he and Mary Lou loved traveling to their second home in Port Charlotte, Florida to enjoy the weather and their many friends. 

Arnold was the beloved husband of the late Mary Lou Owen (née Burns); loving father of Ronald (Kimberly), Karen Lefko (Andrew) and the late Sharon Owen and Stephen Owen; proud grandfather of Ryan Owen, Kady Owen, Rachel Lefko, Brian Lefko, Christopher Owen and the late Michael Lefko. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his siblings; Thelma Derringer, Elva Carpenter, Erna Jones, Bernice Pitt, Harold C. Owen, Robert D. Owen and Hollase Owen.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing at 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 29, 2023 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA. Interment will follow the Funeral Service at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery, West Chester. PA

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice.