David Malcolm Owen

David Malcolm Owen, born October 3, 1952, in Danville, Virginia, passed away on August 17, 2022, surrounded by family at Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla, California, after battling a staph infection. He was born to parents Richard Howard Owen and Ruth Barton Owen of Danville, Virginia. “Rook,” as his siblings affectionally called him, enjoyed playing baseball, fishing and was an avid hunter. He usually hunted squirrels and rabbits, bringing his bounties home so Mama could cook them. As a teen, he worked in a sawmill for Mr. John Albright, his employer and mentor. Mr. Albright helped fill the vacuum left by David’s father, a much sought-after electrician, often absent from home to do the wiring for places such as the Pentagon and the Smithsonian Museums around the Washington D.C. area.

In June 1971, he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy at 18 with a friend in the “buddy program.” The U.S. Navy wasn’t his first choice of service. His goal was to join the U.S. Marine Corps, but his friend, on the other hand, wanted to join the U.S. Navy. So, they played Gin Rummy all night long with the idea that whoever won the most games by morning would join their preferred branch of service. He lost by a large margin, and both walked into the U.S. Navy recruiting office the following day and enlisted. For reasons unknown, his friend did not finish boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, but David made the U.S. Navy his career & family for over 20 years. After graduating from boot camp & advanced school, he was assigned to the USS Gurke DD-783 as a Sight Setter on a Five Inch, 38 Caliber gun. The USS Gurke saw combat during the Vietnam War, which included intense hostile fire throughout many of her naval gunfire missions and the destruction of several enemy gunboats & barges near the North Vietnam coast. His other duty stations included VFW 121 NAS Miramar CA, NAVSTA Subic Bay Republic of Philippines, USS Ranger CV-61, AFP Subic Bay Republic of Philippines, USS Okinawa LPH-3, Security Department NAS Miramar CA, and lastly, USS Merrill DD-976.

Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy, he continued his public service by joining the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in San Diego, California. During his time with CBP, he became an expert on exporting items from the U.S. to foreign nations. Both officers and management personnel routinely sought his advice on general, military, export zones, and warehouse inspections. His proficiency as an inspector routinely captured prohibited items and detected illegal activities. His effectiveness helped amass millions of dollars in fines and penalties collected from these unlawful transactions, which resulted in numerous awards & accolades throughout his law enforcement career. His coworkers warmly called him “Chief,” the last rank he held in the U.S. Navy. Chief retired in 2020 after more than 49 years of combined federal service.

David is a son, brother, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather. However, the title he most enjoyed was being called the husband to his dear wife of 18 years, Joan Owen, whom he immensely loved. The union between these two brought him more than vigor, companionship & comfort. It brought him an endearing peace in the later part of his life. During one of the last moments of his life, he repeatedly reminded Joan that he loved her very much and would be home soon. David never made it back to his residential home but instead went onto his permanent home within the heavenly kingdom of The Lord God Almighty. “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 21:3-4.

David is preceded in death by both his parents. However, he is survived by his beautiful wife Joan Owen, his former wife Teresita O’Farrell, his sons Richard, John, and Tony, his stepsons Charlie & Phillip, stepdaughter Gloria, and numerous grandchildren & a great-grandson. In mourning is his brother Michael “Switch” Owen and sister Judy Owen of Virginia. Also in mourning are his brother Gary Owen & his wife Susan of North Carolina, and many nephews & nieces.