Paul Owens

Paul Edward Owens, formerly of Somerset, KY, recently of Elizabeth City, NC, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, following an illness stemming from low sodium issues. Unfortunately, he did not regain his strength but took a sudden turn for the worse and died at 93 years old. Paul was born on September 8, 1932, in the town of Boudy, in Whitley County, KY. He was one of twelve siblings, born to Lora and Alfred Owens. Paul's education consisted more of working on the farm with his family than that of the schoolhouse environment. Through his upbringing, he learned solid values of faith, family, and good old fashioned hard work. When the United States became part of the Korean War, Paul put "feet" to his values by enlisting in the United States Navy to serve and protect his country. Following the war, he continued in his solid work ethics by working first for Formica, then becoming a cross-country truck driver. With diligence and determination, Paul started his own trucking company, which he ran successfully until his retirement. He continued to respect his country and fellow veterans by serving on the Military Honor Guard, ministering to families who had lost loved ones following military service.

Paul, a soft-spoken man, devoted to his family, was known for his kindness and generosity. He loved playing board games, watching westerns, listening to bluegrass music, and spending time with his special friend, Chris Eastham, and her family.

He is survived by his children, Donna Sue Cox of Westchester, OH, Deborah K. Nonnemaker of Victorville, CA, and Gregory S. Owens (Melanie) of Elizabeth City, NC; siblings, Doris Mann (Richard) of Brooksville, FL, Robert Owens of Williamsburg, KY, Helen Thorton (Kenneth) of Rock Hill, SC, Judy Worthington of Brooksville, FL, and Dale Owens of Las Vegas, NV. Paul was privileged to have the legacy of many grandchildren, including Rhonda Kneipp (Raphael), Leslie Mitchell (James), Ruth Wood (Nathan), Karen Lopez (Bradley), Imojean and April Nonnemaker, Mistie Osterhouse (Chris), Erin Comly (Todd), Alicia Owens, and Bethany King (Chris); eighteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-granddaughters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Imojean Sego Owens, second wife, Ruby Stringer Owens, and siblings, Faye Owens, Thelma Smith, Prince Everette Owens, John Owens, Kenneth Owens, and Don Owens.

A Celebration of Life, with Military Honors, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Pulaski Funeral Home, 165 KY 2227, Somerset, KY 42503 with Paul's nephew, Kevin Mann, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in his name to Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org), P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66676.

Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Owens Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.