Dr. Steven Edwin Owens

Friday, January 27, 2012

Dr. Steven Edwin Owens, 56, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at St. Vincent Infirmary. He was born in Newport Feb. 12, 1955, the son of his late parents, Bernice Ferrell Owens and Thomas Edwin Owens.

To mourn his passing he leaves behind his beloved wife, Judith Sullivan Owens, and their only son, Thomas Edward Owens, the light of his life. Steve is also survived by a dear sister, Janet Owens Smith of Memphis.

Steve graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He completed his medical degree at UAMS, specializing in Emergency Medicine. After years as an emergency room physician, he went on to work for the Social Security Department of Disability Determination. There he was loved and respected by fellow physicians and staff for his integrity, quick wit, and caring, compassionate nature. Steve was a lifelong sportsman who enjoyed duck hunting and especially loved fishing on the White River near Mountain View. Razorback football was his favorite pastime.

Steve is also survived by a nephew, Dr. Ron Smith Jr (Kathy) of Palmetto, Fla., and neice, Ferrell Smith Marrs (and Chad) of Kansas City, Kan.;

His in-laws, Linda and Hays Sullivan of Burdette;

Three sisters in law, Susanne Sullivan Hurt (and Blant) of Jonesboro; Missy Sullivan Harris (and Greg) of Kennett, Mo.; and Sarah Sullivan McNeil (and David) of Dallas; and

A host of much loved cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to honor Steve's life will be held at 1 p m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, on Mississippi at Evergreen in Little Rock. Prior to the service, the family will receive visitors in the sanctuary narthex, beginning at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, 6300 Father Tribou Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, the Razorback Foundation, or a charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com