Lt. Colonel Sherril Owens

Lieutenant Colonel Sherril Owens, age 90, of Stearns, Kentucky, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Colonel Owens was one of 12 children born to the late Norman Phillip and Zona Worley Owens of Smithtown, Kentucky. In additional to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Floyd, Earl, Norman Pete, Clyde, and Virgil Owens; and sisters, Bessie Shepherd, Edith Strunk Abbot, Allene Shepherd, Geneva Inman, Iae Lee Foster, and Norma Jean Morrow.

Colonel Owens was a graduate of McCreary High School. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky State University with a Bachelor's of Arts degree and was awarded Regular Army Commission of Second Lieutenant with distinction into the United States Army. He retired after 22 years of active-duty service.

Upon retirement, Colonel Owens and his wife Gail returned to McCreary County to make their home with their three sons, Gregory, Stephen, and Douglas. After retiring, he started a JROTC program at McCreary Central High School and Whitley County schools. After 22 years of serving as senior JROTC instructor in both McCreary and Whitley Counties, he retired a second time.

Since retirement from the military, he served as an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he served as the quartermaster and post commander for the VFW. He also was a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans Post.

Colonel Owens was involved in many community service activities. He represented McCreary County as the first chairman of the Big South Fork River Recreation Development Association. In one ribbon-cutting service, he rode a horse called Black Jack across from Kentucky into Tennessee to meet the horse from Tennessee to break the ribbon between the two states. He and his JROTC students participated in two major park dedications at Bandy Creek and Charit Creek.

Colonel Owens and his wife Gail have been strong supporters for the Republican Party. He even served as the chairman of the McCreary County Republican Party and was inducted into the McCreary County Republican Hall of Fame.

Colonel Owens and his wife Gail are life-long members of the First Baptist Church of Whitley City where he was deacon emeritus. He served in the National Gideon's Association as a church speaker seeking funds for purchase and distributing of Bibles around the world. Sherril Owens has been a dedicated member of the Orie S Lodge 874, in Stearns, Kentucky for 45 years. Throughout his time with the lodge, he exemplified the values of brotherhood, integrity, and community service that are at the heart of Freemasonry. His commitment to the lodge has not only strengthened the bonds within the masonic community and inspired those around him with his unwavering dedication and leadership. He has witnessed countless changes yet his loyalty to the principles of Freemasonry has remained steadfast, making him a respected and cherished member of the Orie S Lodge 874, where he was a 32nd degree Mason. Colonel Owens dedication and service to his family and community will forever be cherished but never forgotten.

Surviving family include his wife, Gail (Stephens) Owens of 70 years; sons Gregory Owens (and Krystal) of Whitley City, Stephen Owens (and Tina) of Smithtown, Douglas Owens (and Karen) of Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, in the chapel of Pine Knot Funeral Home with Rev. Landon Sexton officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Whitley City Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.