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NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu
)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
11/11/2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES- Funeral services were held Monday at the First Baptist Church in Leesville for Chester Creighton Owen, executive director of Northwestern State University's Leesville/Fort Polk campus.
Owen, 77, a longtime educator and civic leader in Leesville, died at his residence Saturday, Nov. 9.
Owen had a long and distinguished career as an educator in Vernon Parish. He taught English for many years in the school system before serving the Vernon Parish School Board as a guidance counselor, supervisor of instruction, director of curriculum and superintendent of Vernon Parish Schools. After retiring as superintendent of schools, he was an adjunct and graduate advisor at NSU Leesville/Fort Polk before becoming the campus' executive director.
He earned a bachelor's and master's degree at Louisiana State University and did additional graduate studies at McNeese State University, Northwestern State University and the University of Southern California;
As a community activist, Owen was president of several organizations including the local PTA, Louisiana Schools Supervisors Association, Leesville/Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce (Twice), Leonidas Polk Chapter, Association of the United States Army, Owen was also involved in organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club and the Governor's Military Advisory Commission.
He was a charter member of the NSU Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, life member, Sigma Chi Fraternity, member, Sons of American Revolution, Vernon Arts Council and was a Mason, Shriner and a veteran having served in the United States Army.
Owen was the recipient of the P.T.A. Lifetime Achievement Award, Northwestern State University Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year and was selected to attend the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar. NSU honored him with an Nth Degree Award for devotion to duty and meritorious service to mankind.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mrs. Gloria Leach Owen of Leesville, son and daughter-in-law: LTC (USAF) Charles A. and Carolyn Van Dine Owen of Bossier City, daughter: Mae Ann Owen Ledet of Leesville, sister: Marilyn Owen Stevens of Leesville, and three grandchildren: Joseph Creighton Ledet, Laura Gaye Owen and Emma Frances Owen.