Frank H. Owen

Mr. Frank H. Owen, 80, of Bridge Street, Colebrook, NH, passed away Sunday morning, January 30, 2005, surrounded by his family at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital. Mr. Owen was born June 13, 1924, in Colebrook, son of the late Gerald E. and Leone (Hill) Owen. Mr. Owen graduated from the Colebrook Academy, Class of 1942. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and served his country for 2 ½ years. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Colebrook and worked for the E.F. Royal Store for one year. In 1947, he worked reading meters for Public Service of New Hampshire for eight years and in 1955, he began selling insurance for Mutual of Omaha, retiring after 35 years of employment in 1990. He was also very active in other trades. He mowed roadsides for the State of New Hampshire from 1976 to 1991; spent many hours working on his wood lot on Hardscrabble; farmed and produced maple syrup with his family. For 10 years, he served as Colebrook’s Civil Defense Director. He was also a member of the Colebrook School Board from 1969 to 1975, and served as Town Selectman from 1976 to 1989. Mr. Owen was a very active member of the Monadnock Congregational Church; Past Commander and 59 year member of the George L. O’Neil American Legion, Post #62 of Colebrook; a Past Master and 59 year member of the Evening Star Lodge #37, F&AM; member of the North Star Chapter #16 R.A.M; member of Evening Star Council #53; Charter Member of the William Pitt Tavern Lodge of Portsmouth, NH; Past Patron of the Eureka Chapter #2 O.E.S. of Colebrook; Charter Member of the Colebrook Kiwanis Club and well known for his secret barbeque sauce recipe; Past President of the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association; and a member of the New Hampshire Timberlands Owners Association. Mr. Owen is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Claire (Greenleaf) Owen of Colebrook; one daughter, Lynne O. Placey and husband, Donald, of Stewartstown, NH; two sons, Gerald F. Owen and wife, Paulette, of Colebrook, and Jeffrey G. Owen and wife, Carol, of Loudon, NH; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Owen is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edmund and Haven Owen.

Frank H. Owen

June 13, 1924 - January 30, 2005