John Anthony "Tony" Owens

John Anthony Owens, 64, passed away Tuesday, February 15th at his home outside Purvis. He was born on August 05, 1957 in Hattiesburg, the baby of four boys to the late Charles and Jeanette (Lee) Owens, with Jeanette adding two more boys in a second marriage. He grew up in Carnes and became known by most everyone as Tony. He enjoyed fishing and hanging out with his friends. Word has it that he was a bit rambunctious, maybe even mischievous as a young man, but we're not going there. Tony attended Forrest County Agricultural High School before opting to get his GED. He joined the US Army in 1978, serving three years as a track vehicle mechanic. Following his discharge, Tony went to work offshore, and did that off and on for many years. He would take time away from that and work other places, like in construction and other things, but he always had a job somewhere. He even worked for the carnival at times operating rides. Tony worked hard to provide for his family his entire life. He is remembered as "an awesome dude". A simple man in life, Tony didn't need any bling or a lot of flair. He much preferred to stay around the house, and was happiest just sitting around a fire with family and friends. Tony was the kind of guy that thought he could fix most anything, and some stuff he could. But a lot of the time he tore up more than he fixed. What he could do though was cook, and he loved grilling. Tony could cook most anything, but really didn't want anything to do with macaroni and cheese. He was a loving man with a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. He will be sadly missed by all whose life he touched. Tony was preceded by his parents, Charles and Jeanette Owens, and brothers Dewayne and David Owens. Left to cherish his memories are: his partner in life, soul mate and "grit chef", Karen Roberts; his daughter Tesola Breland of Hattiesburg; and his brothers, Dayle Owens, Lester Ott, and Michael Ott. Tony leaves his grandson, James Wylie, and countless numbers of extended family, friends, and neighbors through the years. Services are set for Friday, February 18, 2022 at Trinity Funeral Services' Lumberton location. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by a chapel service at 1:00 PM, with Bro. Porter Soley officiating. Afterward, he will be laid to rest beside his mother in the Elder Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Owens family in their time of need, and asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.