The Shadow
Thank you John Owens for your service. Our community will miss you – miss your presence at Clifton Forge 4th of July parade and ceremony and our VFW Post 1033 veteran functions. Owens was the oldest member of Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Owens was born March 12, 1922 and passed away October 25, 2024. A lifetime resident of this area and a member of Moss Run Baptist Church where he served as church as a former deacon, Sunday school teacher and song leader. A man of honor in so many ways.
For all of us who had the honor of knowing you, we present our final salute to such a man as you.
Owens served as a Staff-Sargent in the United States Army during World War II. Owens was with Company 1-3rd Battalion -313th Infantry Regiment-79th Infantry Division that landed on D-Day, June 14, 1944.
Post 1033 commander, Shawn Wright, said of Owens: “How does one put into words the magnitude of your sacrifice that enabled us to be where we are today? World War II killed more people, destroyed more property, disrupted more lives, and probably had more far-reaching effects than any other war in history”.
Post 1033 Quartermaster, Bill Atherholt said of Owens: “I was six years old when you were fighting in 1944. Thanks to you and so many others like you, I speak English instead of Russian”
Soar high Staff Sargent John Willard Owens. We salute and honor one last time.
