Lonnie Tyler Owens

[William769]

BIRTH
5 Jan 1924
Harlan County, Kentucky, USA

DEATH
27 Feb 1991 (aged 67)
Harlan, Harlan County, Kentucky, USA

BURIAL
Resthaven Cemetery
Keith, Harlan County, Kentucky, USA

Lonnie entered the Navy at age 17 with his mother's consent (father had already passed away from black lung from working in the coal mines). His mother Cora thought it best to keep him out of the coal mines.

Lonnie was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. The first battleship he was on was sinking & he made it to another battleship that got hit & when he was pulled out of the water after being there for hours his mind had snapped.

AFter being taken care of at Pearl, they notified his mother that he needed to be placed at an Old Sliders' Home for care for the rest of his life. She said no! I'm his mother, you send him home to me and I'll take care of him. So, they did.

We visited Lonnie & his mother (my aunt) often. She took great care of him till her death in 1988. His niece Audry (my2nd cousin) took care of him till his death in 1991.

Lonnie died tragically when the house he lived in, in King holler burned to the ground. They found his body in the doorway from his bedroom to the living room.

He literally gave his life for his Country & only getting to live his life till his teenage years.

Lonnie, you will never be forgotten.

[William769]

1. Kicking for the evening members.

[Cha]

2. I'm glad you kicked it, William..

I saw that title before but didn't know it was yours.

What a Beautiful tribute to your Cousin, Lonnie TYler Owens.

[Ohio Joe]

3. K&R