Brevard – Howard Owen, 78, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2014 at his residence. A native of Transylvania County, he was the son of the late Fred Dillard Owen and Otha Chapman Owen and was the husband of the late Mary Ruth Owen who passed away in 2004. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Estelle Larson, and brothers, Edgar Allen Owen and Ronnie Owen. Mr. Owen served in the U. S. Navy for 10 years and retired after 12 years serving in the U S. Air Force as a Sr. Master Sgt. Surviving are his daughters, Rosemary Whitmire of Brevard, Wanda Jean Noe and husband Bill of Clinchport, VA, Claudine Anette Hudson of Brevard; sons, Howard Fred Owen of Greeneville, TN, Sherman Scott Owen and wife Felecia of Brevard; sisters, Thelma Cantrell of Lake Toxaway, Jeannette Owen of Oregon, Vonda Lee Harding and husband Mike of Montana; brothers, Charles Edmond Owen and wife Irene of South Carolina, twin brother Harold Owen of Brevard, Gerald David Owen and wife Mary Grace of Brevard, Carl Eric Owen and wife Anita of Idaho, Michael D. Owen and wife Sandra of Pisgah Forest, Brian Owen and wife Gloria of Brevard; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Old Toxaway Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Ron Nelson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Honor Guard for Veterans of Transylvania County. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.