One of the great ones

We were greatly saddened at the recent news of the passing of our dear friend, Owen Warren. Many in our Adults In Ministry program have worked with Owen, know him, or at least have benefited in some way from his expertise. Just like Owen is described in his obituary, he was the kind of guy you could ALWAYS count on.

Owen was an important part of the AIM community. There wasn't a summer or fall season that we didn't see him come to camp. We knew he didn't do emails or cell phones, so typically we'd decide what time was good to have Owen's skills (there weren't too many people we knew who would come AND bring their backhoe) and leave him a message at home. We may or may not hear back before the appointed time; however, around the time of the first meal of an event where he was expected, we would start looking. Sure enough, as the hot food was coming out of the kitchen, there Owen would be, finding his place at the table.

That was another thing Owen was know for around MTOP: his eating! We would actually have a discussion at staff meetings to make sure the kitchen was prepared for Owen's arrival. We knew to only worry about him if he was late for a meal. He could eat more poppyseed chicken casserole than anyone we knew. There were at least a couple of meals where Owen would still be eating as we were cleaning up. No problem! That's just what Owen did, take his time a savor every bite. And make sure he polished off the ice cream!

But what Owen was definitely known for best around Mountain T.O.P. was his willingness to help in any way he could. He was the easy going guy in the community, not shaken by the scope of a project or all of the personalities in a work group. He was just there, constant and consistent in his devotion to God through his everyday actions.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 13.  Services will be held at Woodbine Hickory Chapel at 10 a.m. Friday, December 14. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain T.O.P., P. O. Box 128, Altamont, TN 37301, or Nolensville First United Methodist Church, 7316 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, TN.

Owen was undoubtedly one of the great ones. And he will be greatly missed! We invite you all to remember Owen's family in their grief and celebration of Owen's life.

Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;

In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;

In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;

In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.

May your rest be this day in peace,

 and your dwelling place in the Paradise of God.