Mr. Donald Ernest Owens, 82, of Gray, passed away Sunday evening, August 9, 2026 at the Barbourville ARH Hospital. He was the son of the late James Thomas and Sarah Gray Owens born July 10, 1944 in Barbourville.
Donald was the proud owner and operator of Double O Veneer and was of the Baptist faith. He was a life-long University of Kentucky sports fan, an avid fisherman and cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was also a member of the Cumberland Valley Masonic Lodge #751 F & AM. Above all, Donald was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
On September 26, 1963, he united in marriage with Judy Ann Elliott.
In addition to his parents and wife, Judy, he was preceded in death by his brothers, J. L., Lewis, Larry, Raymond and James Owens and sisters, Beatrice Keys and Betty Jones.
Survivors include his loving children, Donna J. Owens of Gray, Debra Owens Riggs and husband, Jim, of Franklin, IN, Donnie E. Owens of Gray, Rachal Owens Smith and husband, Chris, of Corbin and Ana Owens Hensley and husband, Dustin, of Berea; sister, Sue Marler of Gray; brother, Alvin Owens and wife, Maggie, of Gray; cherished grandchildren, Austin Riggs and wife, Brooke, Owen James Thomas Riggs, Reid Brewer, Reagan Brewer, Khloe Ann Scalf and Kamden Scalf; great-grandchildren, Aria Kay Riggs, Luke Ryan Owen Riggs and Kendall Reid Brewer; sister-in-law, Christine Engle of Gray; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Jones of Gray and Johnny Hatfield of Corbin; several dear nieces and nephews; among other relatives and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, August 14 at 12 Noon with Rev. Pat Chesnut and Rev. Dennis Chesnut officiating. He will be entombed at the Donald and Judy Owens Cemetery.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Friday prior to the funeral hour.
Serving as casket bearers will be Mike Owens, Corey Owens, Logan Owens, Shaw Owens, John Detherage, Jeff Jones, Mike Woods and Trevor Mills. Serving as honorary bearers will be Darrin Abner, Vernon Engle Jr., Dallas Eubanks, Austin Riggs, Owen Riggs, Reid Brewer, Kamden Scalf, Larry Marler and the Knox County Fishing Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully encourages donations be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at https://www.shrinerschildrens.org in Donald’s memory.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of DONALD E. OWENS.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
