IN MEMORY OF DONALD E OWSLEY

The simple phrase,“Goodbye, Don,” was whispered by many on Wednesday January 27th as Donald E. Owsley was laid to rest. Don Owsley was a community “giver.” He thoughtlessly gave of himself to help others, and serve the community. Don was a thirty-year member of the AACS Board of Directors, serving five of those years—1975-80—as chairperson. He was a “transition person” who could turn negative feelings into positives by bringing forth new and different insights. He was a true community builder—and a visionary. Don worked at Green River Steel for 33 years until his retirement in 1986. He did not retire “quietly.” Instead, he chose to intensify his own community efforts and share his wisdom and knowledge throughout his community. We will miss him, but are left with wonderful memories. We know Don has earned eternal blessings for his lifelong service to others. May he rest in peace and may his family find courage in his blessed spirit to go on without his living presence.

Dedication Ceremony

The ceremony for the Audubon Area Community Services building dedication to the new name of The Donald E. Owsley Human Services Center, was held the afternoon of May 29, 1999 at 1:00 p.m. A small holly bronze metal plaque hangs outside the front and rear building entrances bearing the new name. The front outside plaque was the first thing unveiled in the dedication. The ceremony took place outside on the west lot of the central office. Then the guests and family present moved inside the building for a smaller ceremony inside the lobby where the wooden plaque (depicted) is placed. This plaque gives history on Don and the services he freely gave to our agency. It also has an engraved photo replica. Afterward, the group moved into the Board room for the family presentation. Ms. Anetta Owsley was given an occasional remembrance plaque stating the day the AACS central office was named. Mr. Owsley's children received framed replicas of the inside plaque for their reminders. After the ceremonies, refreshments were served.

Obituary Column

Donald Edward Owsley, 68, of 1010 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, died Friday, Jan. 22, 1999, at Owensboro Mercy Health System. He was born in Owensboro, was a graduate of Western High School and retired in 1986 from Green River Steel as a stores clerk after 33 1/2 years. He was a 50-year member of Center Street Baptist Church, where he had served as treasurer and trustee and in the position of moderator. He was very involved with Masonic affiliations, including being the most worshipful grand master from 1994 to 1995 for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F&AM of Kentucky, most excellent past grand high priest from 1974 to 1976 for the Most Excellent Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Kentucky and was a right eminent past grand commander from 1978 to 1980.

He was an honorary grand inspector general, 33rd degree for the United Supreme Council, A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry, S.J., was a worthy past patron from 1968 to 1969 for Amaranth Chapter No. 46, O.E.S in Owensboro, was illustrious past potentate from 1968 to 1969 for Cawthar Temple No. 118, A.E.A. Order Nobles, Mystic Shrine in Evansville and was affiliated with the Damascus Temple No. 58, A.E.A.O.N.M. Shrine in Louisville. He was president of the American Association of Retired Persons Yellow Banks Chapter, was chairman of the board at Prince Hall Village Inc. in Louisville and was president of the Housing Complex in Frankfort. He was a member of the executive committee of Green River Area Development District Inc., where he was chairman of the Equal Opportunity Fair Housing Committee. He was a board member of Green River Housing Corp., Green River Economic Development Corp. and the H.L. Neblett Community Center Inc. He was a life member and past president of the board of directors for the Boulware Center, was past chairman and member of the board of commissioners for the Owensboro Human Relations Commission and was chairman and member of the board of directors for Audubon Area Community Services Inc. He was a board member for the Western Kentucky Development Corp., was past president of the Owensboro branch of the N.A.A.C.P. and was a charter member and past president of the Owensboro Area A. Phillip Randolph Institute. He served on the executive committee for Habitat for Humanity, was a hearing officer for the Owensboro Housing Authority and was an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was a member of the Daviess County Historical Society and Owensboro Friends of Library. He was a Kentucky Colonel and was Notary Public state-at-large. He was former secretary and treasurer for Roosevelt Houses I and II, was chairman of the board of trustees for the Owensboro-Daviess County Library and was a former member of the Urban County Charter Commission. He was vice president of United Steel Workers of America Local No. 4459, was secretary for United Way of Ohio Valley and was a former member of the advisory board for the Salvation Army. He was involved with West End Day Care, Kentucky Tomorrow and had served on the advisory council for Green River Area Ombudsman.

Survivors include his wife, Anetta Owsley; two sons, Keith Owsley of Owensboro and Whaylon Morton of Dallas; five daughters, Donna J. Buggs of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, Calrice Green of Hudson, Ohio, Cynthia Morton of Dallas, Donetta Owsley of Owensboro and Juanita Owsley-Brown of Cincinnati; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, William Robert Owsley Sr. of Owensboro; two aunts; and several nephews and nieces.