Ernest "Ernie" Owen of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Thursday evening, July 17, 2008, in the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home in Blackwell at the age of 95 years.

Ernest "Ernie" Owen was born on July 16, 1913, in Limestone, Arkansas, to Joseph A. and Susie R. (Bryant) Owen. He grew up and attended school in Limestone before moving with his family west of McAlester. Upon completion of his education he began helping with the family farming operation. He married Oleta Faye Ayers on March 25, 1933, in Arvista, Oklahoma, and they settled near Eufaula, Oklahoma, where he continued farming. They moved to Blackwell in 1951 where he operated the Texaco One-Stop before beginning as a dirt contractor for several companies. In 1961 he began Owen and Son Dirt Contractors and operated the business until his retirement. His wife preceded him in death in December of 2003 and he continued to make Blackwell his home. He was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ.

He is survived by a son, Leland Owen of Blackwell; two daughters, Edith Dale Avance of Rowlett, Texas, and LeFaye Edgington of Richmond, Texas; a brother, Stanford Owen of Waggoner, Oklahoma; four sisters, Thelma, Aleen, Dude and Geneva; seven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; and several brothers and sisters.

Services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Monday, July 21st, in the Blackwell Church of Christ with Lanny Jobe officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be Gayland Avance, Kevin Avance, Terry Nichol, Derry Owen, Don Eudaly and Jason Edgington.

Honorary casketbearers will be Claude Pemberton, Milo Day and H. L. Hall.

A memorial has been established for the Blackwell Church of Christ Library in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.