OBITUARY FOR POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY LEADER MARK OWEN

Mark R. Owen, 65, of Evansville, IN passed away Friday, June 1, 2018, surrounded by his family at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.

Mark was a graduate of the Kentucky Military Institute and attended the University of Evansville. He began his career in the Vanderburgh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and was instrumental in developing the Drug and Alcohol Deferral Service (DADS) program. He served as the Executive Director of the Board of Public Works for the City of Evansville and worked for Hulman & Company for 35 years managing their local properties as the Director of Facilities. He was also a licensed Real Estate Agent and most recently worked for ERA First Advantage Realty.

Mark was very active in local politics. He held the Office of County Commissioner and served two terms on the County Council. He was the Chairman of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party from 1990-1997 and again from 2007-2012. Mark served as Chairman of the Weinzapfel for Mayor Committee and Chairman of the Ellsworth for Congress Committee, and he assisted many other candidates with their campaigns as well.

He was also very involved with Southwestern Healthcare and served as Chairman of the Board. He also served as a Board Member of the Mulberry Center, Hillcrest-Washington Youth Home, Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, and he was a Founding Board Member of the Southwestern Foundation.

He also served as a Board Member of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff`s Merit Commission, a Member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Finance Committee, a Member of the Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and a Member of the Rotary Club of Evansville.

Mark is survived by his daughters, Stacy (Erik) Hughes, Amy Owen, and Tricia (Jason) Gerteisen; grandchildren, Jackson, Carter and Tyler Hughes, Bentley Owen, Caitlyn Jeffers-Owen, Chase, Troy and Jacie Gerteisen; sister, Barbara (Jim) Hughes; nieces and nephew, Kimberly (George) Peaugh, Jenny (Dan) Hubbard and Ryan Merritt as well as several great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife of 27 years, Linda Owen.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Estil and Norma (Sartore) Owen.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday, June 8, 2018, at Ziemer Funeral Home North Chapel, 6300 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN 47710. Memorial Service will be at 6:30 pm at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 9:30 am -10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 613 Cherry St. Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:00 am at the church, with Rev. Stephen P. Lintzenich, officiating.

The burial will be immediately following the service at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent De Paul, 767 E Walnut St, Evansville, IN 47713.

Condolences may be made online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.