George “Duke” Owens, age 90, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on December 18, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Frances (nee O’Donnell) Owens; his children, Mary Beth Busson, Carol (Mike) Wegas, and Ken (Stacie) Owens; grandchildren, Faye, Adam, Hannah, Nathan, Georgia, Maggie, and Sam; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Washington and Gertrude, and sisters, Gertrude and Cynthia.
Duke grew up in Cleveland where he attended East Tech High School. After graduation, he became a tool and die maker and worked at Mercury Machine Company for 35 years where he led operations as the plant manager. Although widely recognized as a leader in the aerospace industry, his real passion was for his family. He coached his daughters and his son on many softball and baseball teams. He enjoyed time spent with loved ones fishing, camping, and at his beach house in North Carolina. He was a faith-filled man and contributed his time and talents to his church as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and sacramental coach and counselor. He also valued community; he served many years as the President of the Walton Hills Zoning Board of Appeals, Lake Club, and Mens’ Club. He sat on the Boards of Directors for Cleveland State University, Lakeland Community College, and Cuyahoga Community College. Like his father, Duke was a Master Mason in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He never met a person that did not become a friend, and all will miss him dearly.
A funeral mass for Duke will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, OH, 44212). Family and friends are welcome to gather with one another at St. Ambrose one hour prior to the service and are invited to stay afterwards for a memorial luncheon. Condolences and special memories of Duke can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com (216) 631-4500
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Duke