Pastor Melvin J. Owen, 84 of Wellborn, Florida, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City.  He was born in Lake City, the oldest of three sons, to the late Davis Hawkins Owen and Katie Gertrude Mikell Owen.  Pastor Owen was raised in Olustee and was a graduate of Baker County High School class of 1957.  Following High School, he enlisted into the United States Navy and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.  He was called into the ministry and furthered his education and attaining a Doctorate in Theology at Luther Rice College and Seminary. He served as Pastor for 52 years at many local churches including Fellowship Baptist Church of Lake City, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, Old Providence Baptist Church and was currently serving as the Pastor at Tiger Lake Baptist Church in Live Oak.  Pastor Owen also worked for many years in the insurance industry with Farm Bureau, Avmed and Woodman of the World.  Pastor Owen loved all sports, especially the Florida Gators.  He coached basketball for several years at the Lake City Academy, Forest Hills Academy and the Lake City Community College Timberwolves.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Laura Barnes Owen; and his brother, Kenneth Paul Owen.

Survivors include his children, Melvin L. "Larry" Owen (Tammy), Providence and Emily Walker, Sanford; one brother, Jerry Owen (Bonnie), Glen St. Mary; his sister-in-law, Glenda Owen, Olustee; nine grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Pastor Owen will be conducted on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Tiger Lake Baptist Church in Live Oak with Dr. Virgil Lovett officiating.  Interment will follow at Olustee Cemetery in Olustee with military honors.  A time of visitation with the family will Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.