Kurtis Raymond Owens, 47, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on October 26, 2023. He was a Christmas baby, born on December 25, 1975, in Middletown, Ohio. Kurt grew up in the small town of Carlisle, Ohio. He maintained lifelong friendships with classmates that have only grown stronger throughout the years. He loved all sports, both playing and watching. He was QB1 and point guard during his high school glory days, and has always been a huge Tennessee Volunteer football fan. Kurt was a natural coach; he was fortunate to be able to coach his son’s baseball team for years, leading the 8u, 10u, and 12u Campbell County Cougars to their first ever State championship appearances in 2016, 2018, and 2019. His “coach voice” could be heard in not only Jeremiah’s baseball games, but was also welcomed during Julia’s soccer, basketball, and volleyball matches. He loved all kids like they were his own, and they loved and respected him in return. Kurt and his brother successfully built and remodeled homes together for many years, establishing solid relationships with customers along the way. He was a jack of all trades and had the gift of fixing anything that needed it. He most recently worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Fiser Inc., who treated him like family. Kurt didn’t know a stranger and was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. He was quick-witted and full of jokes and one-liners, just like his dad. Kurt loved everything about Norris Lake: water sports, marina visits, really loud music, a boat full of friends and family, and he especially enjoyed teaching others how to surf or wakeboard. He loved playing cards, playing with the kids, watching game shows, and he couldn’t go without those Little Debbies. Kurt was a devoted husband and his kids’ biggest fan. Even though he physically struggled the past few years, he tried his hardest to maintain normalcy and display strength for them. They considered him their super hero. Kurt will be immensely missed by so many and he certainly left his mark on this world.

He leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Susan Eutsler Owens; two children, Jeremiah Tripp Owens and Julia Lynn Owens; father, Wilbur Owens; brother Matthew (RaeAnn) Owens, and nieces Sydney and Riley, along with a multitude of beloved family members, in-laws, special Godparents to his children, and many, many close friends.

Kurt is preceded in death by his mother, Lynda (Gephart) Owens; grandparents, Phyllis and Raymond Gephart, Eunice and Clifton Owens; uncles, Tim Owens and Marshall Owens.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm, with a memorial service to follow at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in LaFollette on Friday, November 10th at 11:00 am, with Fr. Sam Sturm, as the celebrant. Reception at the church to follow.

In lieu of flowers, PLEASE mail donations to The Campbell County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 122, Jacksboro, TN 37757 (for more info, contact Clarence Lowe 423-562-2246)

Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation of Caryville is in charge of all arrangements.

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