Obituary Of Michael A. Owen
Evansville, Ind. – Michael A. Owen, fought the most courageous battle of his life against leukemia these past fifteen months. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side Monday, December 16, 2019, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital.
Mike was born on December 10, 1953, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Louise (Kiely) and Archie Owen. Being the son of two coaches, Mike developed a true passion for competition. During his high school days at Bosse High School, Mike played many sports including basketball, tennis, and football for his father, Archie. After graduation from Bosse in 1972, Mike attended Murray State University on a tennis scholarship and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. He was chosen the Most Valuable Player on their tennis team in 1974, 75 and 76. Mike was more than just an athlete as he received the Outstanding Business Student Award in 1976. Also, in 1975, he won the Indiana Men’s State Singles title with many to follow. The Owen family, as tennis legends in our city, won many city and state tennis titles and brought home the Indiana State Father-Son Title. Later, he and his mother were the only mother-son pair to be inducted into the Indiana Tennis Hall of Fame at the same time.
Mike coached girls’ tennis at Central High School for over 40 years while also serving as the head tennis professional at Evansville Country Club. Referred to as “Central Football”, Mike has been a central figure in the Central Community as a teacher and a coach. Throughout Mike’s 42 years in the classroom, he inspired his students to be the best they could be. With a flash of his infamous smile, he showed students that he believed in them even if they didn’t believe in themselves. Mike loved the classroom as much as he did the football field. He was the head football coach from 1986-2006 and Mike never missed a CHS football game in over 40 years. For Mike, coaching was more than just the game. He was shaping the lives of his young players, developing their character and guiding them to be good citizens.
Mike is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susan (O’Grady) Owen; daughter, Sarah Bigler (Matt) of Indianapolis, IN; sons, Andy Owen (Cortney) of Evansville IN and Chris Owen ( Alice-Marie) of Louisville, KY; sisters, Martha Harker (Greg) of Indianapolis, IN, Leanne Dennis (David) of Jamestown, NC and Susie Hoppe of Franklin, TN; grandchildren; Annabelle, Livie and Griffin Owen and Archie and Eloise Bigler.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Ava Owen.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 8:00 PM on Friday, December 20, 2019, at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN, 47711. Friends may also visit from 9:00 AM until service time at First Christian Church on Saturday.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at First Christian Church, 2845 Beaumont Dr., Evansville, IN 47725 with Pastor Jerry Clark officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
The Owen family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mark Browning for his compassion while being the quarterback of Mike’s medical journey and also to the oncology staff at Deaconess Gateway.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evansville Boys and Girls Club, 700 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville, IN 47713 or to the Chemo Buddies at OHA, 3700 Bellemeade Ave., Suite 118, Evansville, IN 47714.
Online condolences may be made at www.browningfuneral.com
