Byron Lee 'Barney' Owens

Aug. 12, 1940 - May 11, 2009

ELWOOD -- Byron Lee "Barney" Owens, 68, died Monday (May 11, 2009) at Elwood Care Center, after battling liver cancer.

He was born in Falls City on Aug. 12, 1940, to Roland and Marie (Miller) Owens. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Marks Lutheran Church. He graduated from Verdon High School at Verdon in 1958.

He married Martha Fritz on June 3, 1963, and received a degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 1967. They moved to Elwood in the fall of 1974, and he became the president of the Home Bank and started the Home Agency. He continued to work in insurance and real estate throughout his life.

He was an active member of both the local Fire and Rescue Department and the local Lions Club for more than 40 years. This past year he served as Lions Club District Governor of District 38-L. He was also very active in Elwood school affairs serving on the school board for 12 years, 10 as president.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Kay Portrey.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Owens of Elwood; daughters, Shari and husband, Monte Holl of Omaha and Jill and husband, Brady Johnson of Seward; sons, Michael and wife, Stacy Owens of Omaha and Robb and wife, Jennifer Owens of Papillion; brother, Jerry and wife, Bev Owens of Seward; and eight grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Saturday at 2 p.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with the Rev. Jeff Ernstmeyer officiating. Inurnment will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Verdon at a later date.

Condolences and personal reflections may be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are suggested to the Lion's Club Campaign SightFirst, the Elwood Fire & Rescue Department, or donor's choice. Please send to P.O. Box 96, Elwood, NE 68937.

Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood is in charge of the arrangements.