The family of David M. Owen, age 69, has invited the PGR to honor their Hero as he receives his final honors, we are privileged to do so.
David Malcolm Owen, born October 3, 1952, in Danville, Virginia, passed away on August 17, 2022, surrounded by family at Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in La Jolla, California. He was born to parents Richard Howard Owen and Ruth Barton Owen of Danville, Virginia.
David enlisted in the US Navy on June 28, 1971 and served until his retirement on July 31, 1991 at the rank of Master at Arms Chief. He served during the Vietnam War on the USS Gurke DD-783 and is listed as a Persian Gulf veteran. He served as a Sight Setter on a Five Inch, 38 Caliber gun. The USS Gurke saw combat during the Vietnam War, which included intense hostile fire throughout many of her naval gunfire missions and the destruction of several enemy gunboats & barges near the North Vietnam coast. His other duty stations included VFW 121 NAS Miramar CA, NAVSTA Subic Bay Republic of Philippines, USS Ranger CV-61, AFP Subic Bay Republic of Philippines, USS Okinawa LPH-3, Security Department NAS Miramar CA, and lastly, USS Merrill DD-976.
Upon retiring from the U.S. Navy, he continued his public service by joining the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in San Diego, California. During his time with CBP, he became an expert on exporting items from the U.S. to foreign nations. Both officers and management personnel routinely sought his advice on general, military, export zones, and warehouse inspections. His proficiency as an inspector routinely captured prohibited items and detected illegal activities. His effectiveness helped amass millions of dollars in fines and penalties collected from these unlawful transactions, which resulted in numerous awards & accolades throughout his law enforcement career. His coworkers warmly called him “Chief,” the last rank he held in the U.S. Navy. Chief retired in 2020 after more than 49 years of combined federal service.
“Rook,” as his siblings affectionately called him, enjoyed playing baseball, fishing and was an avid hunter. He usually hunted squirrels and rabbits, bringing his bounties home so Mama could cook them.
David is preceded in death by both his parents. However, he is survived by his beautiful wife Joan Owen, his former wife Teresita O’Farrell, his sons Richard, John, and Tony, his stepsons Charlie & Phillip, stepdaughter Gloria, and numerous grandchildren & a great-grandson. In mourning is his brother Michael “Switch” Owen and sister Judy Owen of Virginia. Also in mourning are his brother Gary Owen & his wife Susan of North Carolina, and many nephews & nieces.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero.
Time Table for Tuesday, 13 SEP 22:1300 - Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/G3KSXvk8NiNxkS4dA1315 - Brief
1330 - Flag Line for Heroes arrival and transfer to horse drawn hearse
1400 - Flag Line and Service at committal shelter with military honors
R/C Paul “RoundTrip” McCarthy
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainUS Navy Retired
pmccarth1@gmail.com
619 838-9123
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
