Promoted to Glory: Major Jack Owens

Major Jack Owens was Promoted to Glory on September 2, 2023, at the age of 79.

Jack Wayne Owens was born in Miami on May 22, 1944, to parents Rex & Chole Carey Owens. He spent most of his early life in Florida and Montana. He began attending The Salvation Army at the age of 9, at the Miami Edison Corps, which was across the street from his home. He became very active in corps activities, played in the band, served as a Sunday School teacher, and was "there when the doors opened."

He entered the Evangeline Booth College as a member of the Heroes of the Faith session of cadets and was commissioned on May 30, 1964, with the rank of Lieutenant. Sharon Merry also attended the Miami Edison Corps, from which she entered the training college and was commissioned in 1965. They married on June 3, 1966.

Before their marriage, Lieutenant Owens served as a single officer in Clearwater, Jacksonville, and Lake Worth, FL. Together the couple served as corps officers in Sanford, Winter Haven, Lake Worth, Pensacola, and Bradenton—all in Florida.

They then served in Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) in Atlanta; Charlotte, NC; Jacksonville, FL; Houston, Texas; and Virginia Beach, VA. One corps appointment in Norman, OK was served before transfer to the Central Territory with appointments as administrators at ARCs in Omaha, NE and St. Louis.

They returned to the Southern Territory to complete their active officership as corps officers in Galveston, Texas and North Central Brevard, FL. They retired from active service on January 7, 2009.

Throughout his career, Major Owens never wavered in his devotion to the Lord. He mentioned in his candidate application that he was converted at Youth Councils in Tampa, FL, as he heard the audible words "Christ needs you." He then went forward and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Major Owens went on to serve faithfully for over 45 years.

Major Jack Owens is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Major Sharon Owens; and one daughter, Lynn.

He is survived by his son, Ted, as well as Earlene Kidd-Ingram, that they considered their child.

There will be no celebration of life as per the major's request.

—Major Frank Duracher