Dale E. Owen, 85, of Battle Creek, MI passed away on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Bickford Senior Living Center after a courageous battle with dementia. Dale was born in Battle Creek on October 23, 1929, the son of Chart Owen and Violet (Busby) Owen.
Dale attended Battle Creek Public Schools before joining the army to support his family. What Dale lacked in formal education, he made up for with ambition and ingenuity. He was well known in local circles as a fine auto and small engine mechanic.
Dale was one of the founding fathers and past President of the Wattles Park Men’s Club where he was involved in building the baseball fields that are still in use today. He was also an adult leader for Troop 35 of the Boy Scouts. He fancied himself as an amateur musician, playing baritone in the American Legion Band.
Dale was a very hard worker holding as many as three jobs at a time, as well as designing and building his own home. He worked as a sheet metal mechanic at Post Cereals until heart problems forced an early retirement. Dale was blessed with a loving family and truly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his special cat Andy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Gail and twin brother Dean. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret, son Jeffrey (Marcia) Owen, and daughter Nancy (BJ) Etheridge, all of Battle Creek. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Matthew) Lawson of Vienna, VA, Sean (Megan) Etheridge of Kalamazoo, Greg Owen of Phoenix, AZ, and Valorie (Derek) Mulder of Chicago, IL. He was also the proud Great Grandfather of three beautiful little girls, Maryn and Gwendolyn Etheridge and Raena Mulder.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, May 16th at Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am.
Memorial tributes may be made in Dale’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Arrangements made by Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com

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