Bernard Xavier Owens
December 3, 1930 ~ July 29, 2015
Bernard Xavier Owens, “Bernie”, 84, of Dameron, MD, formerly from Leonardtown, MD, passed away on July 29, 2015 at his home. Born on December 3, 1930 in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late Mary Lillian Pillsbury Owens, and George W. Owens. Bernard is survived by his children: Brenda Pipes, (Tim) of Tampa, FL, Bud Owens, (Judy), Pat Cocimano (Tony) , and Susan Sullivan all of Lexington Park, MD, Tom Owens (Donna) of Drayden, MD, Phillip Owens (Heidi) of Tampa, FL, and Jeanne Owens of Seminole,OK. Siblings: Alberta Ridgell, Catherine Pilkerton, Joe Owens, Janice Ivancik, Harold Owens, Robert Owens, 18 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings: George Owens, Ralph Owens, Jimmy Owens, Mary Lillian Owens, and Josephine Quade. Bernard graduated from Great Mills High School, and he was a member of the National Guard for 3 years from 1949 to 1952, during his service he was a sharp shooter, rifle marksman, and demolition man. Bernard worked as a farmer and was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD. He enjoyed gardening, rabbitry, and black walnut processing.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, august 4, 2015 from 10:00 Am – 11:00 Am in St. Michaels Catholic Church Ridge, MD, A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:00 AM with Father Peter Giovanoni officiating. Interments will follow in the church cemetery. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Michael’s School 16567 Point Lookout Road Ridge, MD 20680.
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Uncle Bernard was an interesting character. The first thing you would take notice of was his “colorful language”. He could hold his own with any sailor and thought nothing of saying what he wanted. He was a simple man who led a simple life. There was nothing “showy” about him. One of his favorite treats was a black walnut biscuit with butter and he ate and cracked many of them. Some years ago his oldest brother (Snooks) was very ill. Uncle Bernard hated hospitals, doctors and all that went with that atmosphere but still he came to the hospital to visit his brother, who was in a coma. His sick brothers’ daughters set up a blood drive for their dad. Bernard was heard saying he didn’t know about that. The thought of letting someone stick him with a needle and take his blood was not something he was sure he could do but he’d think about it. The day of the blood drive came and about lunchtime in walked Bernard and he said afterwards, “Jesus Christ, there was two boys, (Snooks’ grandson and great nephew, both in their early thirties) in the chairs and one looked like he was dead and the second one looked like he was close! Them boys was white as a ghost on Halloween and the nurses had turned em upside down and was trying to get some juice in them and bring em back to life. (The young men had actually become lightheaded and their chairs had been reclined all the way). But there it was all of Bernard’s fears were true these two young men were dying giving blood. What did Bernard do? He walked over, sat down and rolled up his sleeve. Ever heard the saying, “He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother” I think this story says everything about the character this fine man had and like his other brothers and sisters who have already left us his family will miss him greatly.
Pat and family – I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Bernard’s passing. He was a character, always making us laugh, and we loved him to pieces. I fondly remember the “competitions” he and mom had with putting their black walnuts in the county fair. It was so fun to take mom there and see her reaction on who had won the ribbons on the pint jars of cracked walnuts. She would say, “Now look at mine and Bernard’s meats, they look nice.” (She was fine if he got the blue ribbon 🙂 He sure could crack a black walnut and have it come out perfect. There was one other thing that I enjoyed watching Uncle Bernard do; eating is “dinna” as he called it, at family functions. That man could pile up a plate, but he never wasted anything and enjoyed every minute of it. I know Mom was waiting there for him with open arms and they are having great conversations with the rest of the siblings along with Big Papa and Big Mama. Mom has probably already taken Uncle Bernard to the biggest walnut tree in heaven. I will miss you Uncle Bernard, Love, Cathy.
Pat and family – keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.. Sure will miss getting my black walnuts this winter!! Meet Mr. Owens a couple of winters ago and what a delightful person he was.
Jeanne and all the family. I’m sorry for your loss..I’m sure a part of your dad will live on each each of his children. May he rest in peace. Jean
Bud & Judy
So sorry for your loss. You all will be in our prayers. See ya at the Farmers Market.
Bud and Judy, Angela, Andrea and Andrew. So sorry for you loss. He was a nice man. I did not get to see him too often but know you will all miss him. Prayers and hugs from us to you and all Bud’s brothers and sisters and the Owens family.
Sarah and Willie Bolton
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family in your time of need for the loss of your father. May God bless you. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Susan & Pat and the entire Owen’s family,
Sharing your sorrow in the loss of your dad and sending deepest sympathy to let you know we care. Hugs to you both!
To the entire family: Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you. May you hold on to the memories and know that he will always be with you.
Love to all