Van E. Owens, 90, of Big Spring, Texas, died on Thursday, July 1, 2004, in a local hospital. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, July 5, 2004 at the Peace Chapel at Trinity Memorial Park with Rev. Herb McPherson, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. He was born on April 16, 1914, in Red Oak, Texas and married Edith Virginia Morrison in June 1948 in Big Spring, Texas. Mr. Owens had lived in Big Spring since 1937. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. As part of the Philippine invasion, he spent 82 days and nights on the front lines in battle where he was wounded. He was awarded the purple heart with valor. He was discharged in East Texas and caught a bus to return to Big Spring where he farmed from 1945 to 1955, until the drought came. He had worked at Webb Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic for 21 years. He was a Baptist and was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.Survivors include his wife, Edith Owens of Big Spring; a step son, Don Simpson and wife, Judy, of Ruidoso, New Mexico; a half brother, Dalton Wells of Lubbock; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; a niece, Sandra Crow and husband of Maryland and a nephew, Bill Crow and wife, Pat of Houston. He was preceded in death by one sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ocie Crow; one niece, Connie Joyce Anderson and one step brother, Charles Wells.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
