Reverend Joseph Merlin Owens, Sr., age 85 of Glencoe, died Thursday, September 15, 2016. His funeral will be Sunday at 4 P.M. in Crestwood Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Shane Roberson officiating. Burial will be in Hokes Bluff cemetery with full Military Honors. Visitation will be Sunday; 2 until 4 P.M. Mr. Owens was devoted to his country and served in the United States Navy and retired from the United States Army after 28 years of service. He served as Pastor of the 1st Advent Christian Church of Gadsden for a number of years. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, flying, gardening, and spending time with his family. His courageous spirit and outlook on life was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Survivors include son, Joey Owens, Esq; daughter, Karen Osborne (Mark); sisters, Elaine Allen and Ruth Roberts; grandchildren, Joseph Owens III, (Kristi, Esq,) Jessica Millican (Jared), Amber Osborne, Esq., Robin Osborne, Shane Roberson (Miriam), Shane McClellan, (Angie); great-grandchildren, Collin Millican,
Ella Millican, Emma Grace Owens, Alyssa Roberson, Holly Roberson, Garrett Roberson, Grant Roberson, Jon Grady, Tiffany McClellan, Austin Godshall and Bailey Coronado.

Preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Sue Owens; parents, Guy Franklin, Sr. and Hazel Smith Owens; brothers, Guy F. Owens, Jr, and Marvin S. Owens; sisters, Virginia Zatkoff and Marquerite Bedsole; daughter in-law, Deborah Owens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Neal, Donnie Ware and all members of the U.S. Army, 20th Special Forces Group. Special thanks to the 8th floor nurses at GRMC and Etowah County Home Health.