Nelson Wayne Owens

Nelson Wayne Owens, 67, of Mexico, Indiana passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis on Friday, February 26, 2021 with his wife Jeanne by his side.

Nelson was born in Peru, Indiana on November 16, 1953 to Betty (Postill) and Donald Owens, who preceded him in death.  He graduated from North Miami High School in 1972.  He received his Associates Degree at Indiana School of Business and Technology.  Nelson retired in 2020 from Gohn Family Farms in Rochester, Indiana after working there for over 20 years. Previously, he owned Owens Radiator in Mexico, Indiana. Nelson was a determined man with a strong work ethic; often working long hours and continued working part time even after retirement.

Nelson had a great passion for golf, recently enjoying trips with Jeanne to the US Open at Pebble Beach golf course on the Monterey Peninsula in California and the Ryder Cup at Medinah in Chicago, Illinois. One of his favorite rounds was played with his stepson, Sean, at the prestigious Harbour Town golf course in Hilton Head, SC. He was a sports enthusiast especially enjoying college basketball; March Madness was a favorite. He was an avid Butler Bulldogs fan. He and Jeanne often attended Butler and Notre Dame basketball games together. Nelson enjoyed spending downtime sharing stories with friends of the Maennechor, Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge; all in Peru, Indiana where he was a member. For over thirty-five years, Nelson bowled in a Peru league, reaching 299 as his best game. Other interests included playing softball for the Main Street Tavern in Rochester and volunteering with the Denver Jaycee’s haunted house for several years. 

He and Jeanne spent many of their weekends enjoying the simplest pleasures of life: spending time with family and friends, out shopping for deals, eating a great meal at a restaurant, tending to their home, or simply enjoying each other’s company. They also enjoyed traveling; he particularly loved the beach where he could sit for hours basking in the sun. Nelson loved spending time with his grandchildren who looked up to their fun loving grandpa. Grandpa Nelson could often be found on the sidelines supporting the kids in their current sport or snuggled up reading a book with them.  Nelson may be best remembered by family and friends for his kind smile and generous spirit, always willing to help others. 

Nelson is survived by his loving wife Jeanne (Ponsonby) Owens of sixteen years, his three adoring step-children and their significant others, Jennifer Whitcomb (Scott Steltz), Sean (Ashley) Duffey, and Erin Cloyd (Aaron Ferguson).  Also surviving are three brothers, Norman Owens (Sandra Miller), Dean (Peggy) Owens, Donald (Stephanie) Owens, and one sister, Nancy (Alan) Gohn and six grandchildren; Cohen Schmeler, Kailyn Cloyd, Easton Cloyd, Liam Duffey, Oliver Duffey and Callie Duffey.  Nelson also has many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Peru Maennechor Scholarship Fund in Nelson’s name.  (154 South Wabash Street, Peru, Indiana 46970)

Viewing will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana.  The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 with viewing one hour prior to the service.  Pastor Phil Troxell will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mexico, Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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