Doug was and will continue to be an awesome inspiration for me on how to live and age gracefully.  He said the secret to his long life was always having a project in motion.  I loved seeing his twinkly eyes and smile as he told stories about his life.  I admired his positive attitude which seemed to motivate him to live his life to the fullest.  He will be missed, but not forgotten!
Love, hugs and hopes for comfort from wonderful memories  to Mike, Karen and family 

Just a note to remind you that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the homegoing of your father and grandfather.  We always appreciated the pictures you shared. God bless. 

Cherrie and I lived 2 doors down from Doug and Gerry in North College Hill for over 20 years during the 70's and 80's.   I remember a time when I was struggling to assemble a grill that I had purchased. Doug was in his back yard and happened to see me pondering over the directions.  He came over, threw aside the directions, and had the grill assembled in a manner of minutes!  Haven't had contact with Doug for many years but saddened to hear of his passing.   But what a good, long life!

I met Doug in 1975, when he was 57 and I was 31. I was a new hire and Doug was the seasoned vet. No one would have guessed that we would form a friendship lasting 46 years. 
Doug’s best talent was his ability to connect with all ages and skill levels. When I formed my own company, Doug came out of retirement, for the first time, at age 66. Over the next 25 years, Doug came out of retirement several times and worked for me, assembling complex equipment and machinery. He excelled at being a mentor to many future generations of machinists. He was the first person I called to build extremely complex, hi-tech machines. 
I was lucky enough to attend Doug’s 100th birthday party. We spent the next day together, and I was amazed at how sharp he was. He even had a production project in his garage! I have one of the candy dispensers he made in my kitchen and think of Doug every time I pass it. 
I cherish the many hours I spent with Doug for more than half of my life. They just don’t make them like him any more. He was always interested in the new, cherished his family and friends, and was truly a great man. My family and I will miss him. 


I had the honor and privilege of working with Doug daily for a little over seven years in a manufacturing environment.  I had never known someone of such impeccable integrity , who was so hard working, with strong moral principles.  He was an "old school" machinist, fabricator, trouble shooter, long before those newfangled computers. His ability to diagnose issues was uncanny, with a friendly smile and a strong willingness to share his knowledge. His talents touched everything he worked on. We all fly safer today due to Doug's involvement in Jet engine blade inspection breakthroughs to this day. 
I visited him in Apex on his 102nd birthday. He was still sharp as a tack. We discussed projects we did together, laughing at all the serious situations we got into, and how we got out of them. He managed to get into my 4 x 4 (but I bought a stool)  to get Chinese food daily, as he loved it! Cooking breakfast together is a real found memory, joking and laughing so hard our sides split. We texted my old boss and Doug at 102 applied for the foreman's job that he was passed by on at 65 because he was too old. Boss hired him!!!
I am sure God has a special place for him in heaven.  One that allows him to keep a watchful eye on a few of us that still need his guidance.  I am going to miss you my friend, my oh so very special friend..........

Uncle Doug had the most infectious smile. Loved hearing him laugh and always enjoyed his stories. We will always remember him turning up for surprise visits at our doorstep in Ohio on his many roadtrips. All our love and condolences to the extended family as we celebrate Uncle Doug's amazing life!  - Mark and Krista Ogg

Seeing Doug walk through the door with a bag full of fresh vegetables from his garden will always be a cherished memory for me.  My family enjoyed some delicious dinners from that garden.  

With Love and Prayers,
Anita Hearn

OBITUARY

Douglas Fairbanks Owen

September 23, 1918 – June 16, 2021

Apex Funeral Home

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Burial will be held at a later date in Cincinnati, Ohio