Lee Roy Owen

Lee Roy Owen, 86, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark.

He was born on May 16, 1934, in Lowell, Ark., to William Roy and Floy Jane ( Wells) Owen. He spent his adult life in service to others starting with the U.S. Navy where he was a Gunner’s Mate, 3rd Class. While serving his country, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, and China Service Medal during the Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he served with the Upland Police and Fire Department in California until he took a position with the Siloam Springs, Ark., Police Department, where he attained the rank of Assistant Police Chief.

He was elected Sheriff of Benton County in 1966, where at the age of 32, was the youngest sheriff ever to be elected to that position. He was re-elected in 1968 and served as sheriff until 1970. Over the years, he served asa U.S. Marsh al, Chief U.S. Probation Officer and with Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

If you knew Lee then you knew how much he loved his family, loved writing songs, and loved singing. Beyond his law enforcement and government involvement, he was also a 32nd degree Mason with the Masonic Lodge, a Gideon and served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia Owen; daughter, Waunell Owen; brother, Henry Owen; and sister, Florence Robinson.

He is survived by two daughters, Jauwana Owen of Farmington and Christy ( Steven) Edwards of Goshen; grandchildren, Jordan (Reb) Smith, Brandee ( Michael) Robinson, Gunner Edwards, Madilyn Edwards, and Mallory Edwards; great- grandchildren, Taylor, Blakelee and Channing Smith; and extended family and friends.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at First Baptist Church. Interment followed at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Cave Springs, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International at www.gideons.org., or the Washington County Fraternal Order of Police at P.O. Box 506, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

To place an online tribute, visit www.nelsonberna.com.

NelsonBerna Funeral Home of Fayetteville was in charge of arrangements.