Marvin Harrel Ownbey
Marvin Harrel Ownbey, 85, of Gentry, Ark., died Dec. 18, 2019, in Rogers, Ark.
He was born July 28, 1934, in Decatur, Ark., to Elzy Lawrence Ownbey and Lida Lanissa Wilmoth Ownbey. He graduated from Gentry High School and received his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. He married Maureen Rita Kimball. HE enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He earned bachelors’ degrees in business administration and aeronautical engineering, and a master’s degree in systems management. He worked on the space shuttle and retired with the rank of major. He continued to work as a pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps and later became a program manager for Parker & Hannitan. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Gentry.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jake.
He is survived by his wife; three sons, Michael Jenkins of Maui, Hawaii, Michael D. Ownbey of Gentry, and Mark Ownbey and wife Eleanor of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; three daughters, Miriam Noble and husband Bob of Coeur d’Alene, Michelle Engelbrecht and husband Robert of Coeur d’Alene; and Susan Heard and husband Aron of San Clemente, Calif.; five grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Cameron and husband Jim of Dana Pointe, Calif.; and a sisterin-law, Judi Jones of Idaho.
Funeral services were Dec. 28, 2019, at Wasson Memorial Chapel in Siloam Springs, Ark., with the Rev. Keith Harmon officiating. Burial followed at Falling Springs Cemetery near Decatur.
An online guest book is available at www.wassonfuneralhome.com.
Wasson Funeral Home of Siloam Springs was in charge of arrangements.