Dean Edwards Owens

Dean Edwards Owens, age 88, passed away on November 9, 2024, in Laurens, South Carolina. Born on January 11, 1936, in Barnwell, South Carolina, Dean was a beloved family member, respected educator, dedicated serviceman, and an active church member and leader.

Dean began his teaching career in 1959 at Williston-Elko High School, before moving on to roles as teacher and Principal at Mullins High School and Barnwell High School. He later served as Assistant Principal at Dent Middle School until his retirement in 1994. After retirement he remained active in education, working as a substitute and administrator in Richland School District Two and Newberry County Schools. In his lifelong pursuit of knowledge, he obtained his Bachelor of Science from Furman University and his Master of Education from the University of South Carolina.

Additionally, Dean was committed to his military service. He was in active service with the United States Army from 1960 to 1962 at Fort Knox, KY, and continued in the Army Reserve until 1996, holding posts in Florence and Columbia, SC. He received the Army Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Award during his long and distinguished service and retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

A man of devout faith, Dean attended Southeastern Theological Seminary, obtaining his Master of Divinity in 1973. Dean served as the Pastor at Pactolus Baptist Church in Pactolus, NC and the Minister of Music and Education at Edgemont Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC. He and his family were members of Kathwood Baptist Church in Columbia from 1971-1976 and then the First Baptist Church of Newberry from 1976- 1993. Dean was most recently a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbia, SC, where he was fortunate to have served as a Deacon, Choir Member, Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Choir leader and Handbell Choir Member. He was an active volunteer for many volunteer groups- including the Church’s Soup Kitchen Program, the International Ministries Program. He was awarded the “Senior Adult Man of the Year” in 2009 for his numerous contributions to First Baptist Church and their ministries.

Dean’s passion for music extended beyond the church as he was a member of the Palmetto Mastersingers, performing throughout South Carolina and around the world. Dean's other hobbies included gardening, reading, playing piano, and researching his family’s extensive history, reflecting his love for nature and the arts. He spent many summers on numerous mission trips to help build churches across the United States and loved the opportunity to meet new people and help in their many projects to grow their congregations.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Emily Trout Owens; his father, Jennings Allen Owens; and his mother, Mary Wylodine Owens. He is survived by his son Clay Owens; brother Jennings Owens; niece Judi Baxley; sisters-in-law Dr. Kathy Trout and Crystal Baker and his brothers-in-law Douglas Trout and Robert Trout.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine Street, Columbia SC 29205 on Friday November 15th, 2024. The Visitation will occur from 10 AM to 12 PM followed by a service at 12:00 PM in the chapel. A graveside service will take place at 3 PM at Buck Creek Baptist Church Cemetery- across the street from the church which is located at 506 Buck Creek Road, Chesnee SC 29323.

Please note: The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Dean’s life and many accomplishments. To keep with his joyous spirit- and love of all things bright and beautiful- casual attire in festive/bright colors is encouraged!

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, SC. The zoo is an incredible institution in SC where Dean and his family spent many hours observing the incredible exhibits and beautiful gardens.

• To make your donation- please go to their website at www.riverbanks.org and click the “DONATE” button. Then- select the dropdown for “Honorary and Memorial Gifts”.

• There is section for “Pay Tribute” and then you can click the button for “make this donation a tribute” and select any amount that you would like to donate.

At the bottom- they ask if you would like a letter. Please select that button so that the family might know of your generous donation on his behalf. When they ask for contact information for the family- please use:

Clay Owens, 1535 Platt Springs Road, Unit #6888, West Columbia SC 29171.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel is assisting the family.