Gene Hood Owen

Gene Hood Owen, a resident of Columbus, Ohio formerly of Fort Payne, Alabama died April 3, 2012 at the age of 76 at his home after a short illness. Gene was a member of Livingston United Methodist Church in Columbus. Mr. Owen was born and raised in Fort Payne graduating from Fort Payne High School in spring of 1954 where he was President of the Student Body along with his twin brother, Paul, who was the Senior Class President. Gene loved basketball and was an all state performer his senior year. He enrolled at the University of South Carolina where he received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1958. Upon graduating he received a fellowship to study nuclear engineering at the University of Tennessee. In 1960 he went to work for ACIPO (American Cast Iron Pipe Company) as a sales engineer, working his way to a vice president position. Leaving ACIPO he worked for a Danish engineering company in the US before semi-retiring and forming his own company, Owen Consultants, working in the industry as a private engineering consultant. He was an avid bridge player and active member of many local bridge communities. Gene was involved in the alumni association of the University of South Carolina, and contributed his abilities and knowledge to the engineering fraternity in arranging the 50th Class Reunion in 2008 in Columbia. He often visited the University for the annual Alumni and Homecoming events. In addition to playing bridge, Gene was an accomplished cook, taking pride in preparing special meals for friends and sharing his famous Southern Chili and Meat Loaf with hospitality and charm with anyone including Presidents of the University of S.C. whose friendship he cultivated. He hosted a dinner for the recently retired USC President, Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Sorensen, who had moved to Columbus to assume a leadership role at Ohio State University in 2010. He is survived by his four children starting with eldest to youngest: Gene (Geno) Owen of Nashville, TN; Constance (Connie) Harvey also of Nashville, TN; Patricia (Patti) Smith and Robert (Bobby) Williams both of Ridgewood, NJ; his twin brother Paul W. Owen of North SC, and youngest brother John W. Owen of Columbia, SC. In addition to immediate family he is survived by seven nieces and nephews, as well as fifteen great-nieces and nephews. Gene will be missed especially by family and his many friends. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a celebration service beginning at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Livingston United Methodist, 200 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Gene Hood Owen

October 8, 1935 - April 3, 2012