John Goronory Owen Jr.

John Goronory Owen, Jr. passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the age of 95. He is preceded in death by his father, John G. Owen Sr., mother Irene Alexander Owen, and sister Irene Owen Byrne (Robert).

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Marilyn G. Owen, and is the proud father of three children; John M. Owen, Sr. (Shawn), James B. Owen (Laura), and Janet M. Owen (Don). He was affectionately known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren John M. Owen, Jr. (Amanda), and Samantha R. Owen, and great-granddaughter Blythe M. Owen.

Johnny was born in New Orleans and graduated from Fortier High School in 1944. He went on to attend Tulane University on a baseball scholarship and received his degree in Education in 1949. During his time at Tulane, he honorably served in the US Navy during World War II. In 1950, he married the love of his life, Marilyn. He continued his education and received his master’s degree from Loyola University in 1960.

For thirty years, he taught and coached in the Orleans Parish Public School system and after retirement, he continued teaching for another ten years at Redeemer High School. He loved the experience of coaching, the long-lasting friendships he made, and being a positive influence too so many wonderful people throughout his life. In 1992, Johnny was inducted into the Diamond Club of New Orleans Hall of Fame and Tulane’s T-Club Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a four-year letterman and one of Tulane’s top pitchers during the WWII era. He lived his life without regrets, and he will be sorely missed by his loving family.

The family wishes to thank Heart of Hospice, Robbi Quigley, Charles Barbier, Donna Mackey, and Dee Esteves for their assistance and support.

Funeral services will be private.