April 16, 1939 – November 12, 2010

Edward Parker Owens, 71, of Sarasota, FL, was at his earthly home when he went to be with the Lord on November 12, 2010. &bsp;

A native of Tryon, he came to Sarasota from his Coast Guard Station in St. Louis, MO, where he set the navigational markers for the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Edward was the officer in charge during his service on the Ft. Pierce Coast Guard Station, the Buoy Tender Hammer, the Buoy Tender Cheyenne, and the Point Thatcher while stationed&bsp; in Sarasota. Edward retired with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer and 26 years of service.&bsp; Edward was an avid fisherman and a member of the Sarasota Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Beverly; three sons: Kenneth of Belleville, IL, Kevin and Mark, both of Sarasota; two sisters: Louise Gschwend of Campobello and Rebbecca Godfrey of Tryon; and three grandchildren: Ross, Caitlin, and Sarah.

Memorial services will be Monday at 11 a.m. in the Sarasota Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The Fisher House, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850, www.fisherhouse.org.