SEATTLE, Wash. Eugene Owens, formerly of Green Island died Monday, October 27, 2003. Born May 13, 1930, son of Charles W. Owens Sr. and Catherine Mary Westbrook Owens. He married Elizabeth Marie Beckord of Denver, Colo. in 1954. They were blessed with four children, Timothy, Christine, Charles, and Matthew. Gene served in the United States Air Force from 1951 until his retirement as a colonel in 1974. During his tenure in the USAF, Gene achieved two undergraduate degrees, two graduate degrees, and a doctoral degree. After teaching at the Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, in 1975 Gene and family relocated to Bellingham, Wash. While in Bellingham, Gene was a professor at Western Washington University teaching at the College of Business and Economics. After his official retirement from WWU, Gene continued to teach as a professor emeritus until 2001. He also donated his time and expertise as an arbitrator and literacy volunteer. After moving to Bothell, Wash. to be closer to his family, Gene continued his teaching as a literacy volunteer. Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth and son, Charles. He is survived by Timothy, Rose, Megan and Molly Owens of Tacoma, Wash., Christine Owens and Daniel Dwyer of Rochester, N.Y., Matthew, Heather, John and Joseph Owens of Brier, Wash., Patricia Smith of Albany, N.Y., Sr. Mary de Porres Owens, RSM, Albany, Elizabeth Owens of Troy, N.Y.; and his dear companion, Ann Langlitz of Redmond, Wash. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Parish Church, 609 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, WA, officiated by Reverend Katherine Sedwick. Inurnment of Eugene and Elizabeth Owens will be Monday, November 10, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local literacy agency or the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 701 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.