PENDLETON
George “Doug” Douglass Owens, 89, of Pendleton, passed away peacefully January 13, 2023. Doug was born to George and Irene (Douglass) Owens on November 29, 1933, in Amarillo, Texas but lived his life in the Pendleton vicinity. He graduated from Pendleton Heights High School and Anderson College, then obtained his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University in Bloomington. He married Carolyn Sue Rainey in 1958, and they raised five children. After her passing in 1997, he married JoAnn Karaffa in 2003. Doug was a loving husband, father, and “Grandad” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Doug was raised on a farm, worked as a soda jerk while in school, and later opened his own law practice where he practiced law for over 50 years. Doug was committed to supporting his community as shown by co-founding the South Madison Community Foundation and his involvement in the Lions Club, June Jamboree, Pendleton Christian Church, Friends of the Falls Park, Historic Fall Creek Pendleton Settlement, Inc., Pendleton Artist Society, Pendleton Business Association, Pendleton Travel Company and the Pendleton Poker Association. He was a District Governor of Lions Club and recipient of the Melvin Jones Award for world-wide recognition of his service above and beyond to the Lions Club and community.
Doug had an adventurous soul and was an avid international traveler throughout his life. He was an instrument rated private pilot, and he frequently portrayed Benjamin Franklin as a historical interpreter visiting schools, libraries, and museums. He was a keen gardener and provided fresh produce to his restaurant, The Pendleton House, for many years. In fact, his garden was so plentiful that he was known to sneak vegetables into Pendleton residents’ cars! Doug portrayed Santa Claus in the holiday parade for years, and he enjoyed long walks with his dog Silka. He was a lifelong, ardent fan of the Chicago White Sox and could quote statistics for many decades.
Doug is survived by his wife JoAnn Karaffa; sons, Bryce (Steffanie) Owens, and Angus (Stephanie Spencer) Owens; daughter Amanda (Robert) Blackketter; sister Mariellen Gilpin; Grandchildren, Jonathan, Katrina, Zayda, Raythe and Fletchyr Owens and Paige and Ian Blackketter. He has been blessed with numerous Step-grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Carolyn Sue Owens, brother-in-law John Gilpin, and sons, Joshua and Tod Owens.
A visitation will be Wednesday, January 18 from 11 am to 1 pm with funeral services immediately following at Pendleton Christian Church, 1170 S Pendleton Ave., Pendleton, IN with Pastor Michael Canada officiating. Graveside services will be at Friends Cemetery, 1794 W. ST RD 38, Pendleton, IN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the South Madison Community Foundation- Owens’ Family Advised Fund or The Pendleton Christian Church Legacy Fund.