Glen Dale Owens

December 17, 1934 – October 15, 2021

Glen was born in Lyons, Indiana to Clyde Owens and Wanda Waggoner Owens on December 17, 1934. He already had a big sister, Vera and would later have two more sisters, Greta and Nedra, and two more brothers, Donald and Dennis. They mostly grew up on farms, providing their own food.

Glen attended Lincoln High School in Vincennes. Glen had met Julia Gordon at vacation bible school at the Church of Christ, and later found out that Julia was the best friend of his current girlfriend, Carol. At the time, Julia was dating Glen’s cousin Henry. Julia would pass notes from Carol to Glen and vice-versa, until, wouldn’t you know it, Glen and Julia became interested in each other. As things turned out, Glen and Julia got married, and Carol and Henry got married. What an interesting twist,

After one year at Vincennes University, Glen and Julia got married on June 14, 1953. Glen graduated from Vincennes University in 1954 and they moved to Bloomington, IN for Glen to complete his Batchelor’s Degree from Indiana University. During this time Julia was working as a telephone operator for Indiana Bell (if only she had invested in some stock, right?).

Their first child, Connie Jo, was born August 21, 1956. By this time Glen was working for the US Treasury Department as a Special Agent. Around this same time Glen’s father Clyde got into the farm implement business in Vincennes and asked Glen to come down and help him get the business going. Glen took a leave of absence from the Treasury Dept to help his father. While the small family was living in Vincennes, a second child, Cindy Jill was born. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to anyone until years later, Cindy was secretly switched at birth. Everyone always wondered why she didn’t fit with the rest of the family stereotype. They have all come to accept her differences.

By 1960 Glen made the decision to return to the US Treasury Dept full-time and moved his family back to Indianapolis. In 1961 a third child, a son, made an appearance. Steven Glen was born on November 26, 1961, soon to become his mother’s favorite child (he has the shirt to prove it).

Once all her children were in school, Julia wanted to do more for other children, so Glen and Julia decided to become foster parents. Originally, they kept infants straight from the hospital who would say maybe a week, maybe a few months until the documents were processed for the infants to go to their forever homes. Then one day the social worker arrived with a 6-month-old red haired freckled face little boy who needed a home. Of course, we took him and made him part of the family. After having Joseph Dale for a year, we figured we might as well keep him. Now things were even – two girls, and two boys. Shortly after that, an eight-month-old little girl needed a home. With the addition of Carrie Janell, the girls now outnumbered the boys!

Glen continued to split his time between his family, the Treasury Dept, and his duties as Elder of the Church of Christ until 1985 when he decided it was time for him to retire from government work. In 1993 Glen and Julia adopted Catherine Kaye, who turned out to be Glen’s favorite child since he was able to stay home and care for her while Julia worked as secretary to the principal at McClelland Elementary school.

When Julia retired, they were able to take vacations with Glen’s favorite child and maybe another grand-daughter or friend to keep Katie company. Glen and Julia both have dedicated their lives to their church and their family. At last count, there were 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Which makes for a full house no matter where you go.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 1:00 pm at Chapel Glen Church of Christ with visitation from 11:00 am until time of service. Glen will be laid to rest at Washington Park North Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.familyfuneralcareindy.com for the Owens family.