Donald Alan Owen

Donald Alan Owen
January 31, 1943 - May 25, 2025 
Spartanburg, SC

Donald Alan Owen (82) passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was a devoted husband of 58 years to Sally Barker Owen, a proud father to Brett Owen (Shannon) and Christi Brown (Kelan), and a deeply beloved “Pop-O” to his grandchildren Slate and Cameron Owen and Lettie and Ella Jane Brown. His life was marked by faith, service, compassion, and an unwavering love for his family and outdoor activities. He and Sally could often be found cheering on their kids’ and grandkids’ soccer, tennis, swim and basketball competitions.

Don served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His time in the military shaped the humility and quiet strength he carried throughout his life.

After his time in the service, Don built a long and respected career as a physical therapist. He founded, owned and operated Oconee Physical Therapy in Seneca, SC for many decades and was a dedicated officer of the South Carolina chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association. He enjoyed helping others recover and thrive, and he earned the trust and gratitude of countless patients, colleagues, and his family.

Don’s faith was central to who he was. A longtime member of Seneca Presbyterian Church, he served as an Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School teacher. His gentle guidance and generous spirit touched many lives within his church community. Most recently, he and Sally were active at First Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, and for many years he was one of the “Geezers” at Habitat Spartanburg, helping fix donated furniture at the Re-Store.

Outside of work and church, Don was an outdoor activity enthusiast. He loved boating on Lake Keowee, hiking in the western Carolinas, and body surfing in the Atlantic Ocean. He was an avid tennis player and a hopeful (and sometimes frustrated) golfer. A gentle soul, he approached life with humor, warmth, and a ready smile.

Don was effusive with praise—especially when it came to Sally’s cooking, which he consistently proclaimed to be the “best meal he ever had!” His joy in life’s simple pleasures and his open-hearted affection for his loved ones made time in his presence a gift.

Don’s legacy is one of love, laughter, activeness, service, and faith. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A service celebrating Don Owen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on June 20, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church Spartanburg, with the family receiving friends at 1pm. A reception will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don’s memory to Thornwell (302 Broad St. Clinton, SC 29325; thornwell.org/give) or Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg (2270 S Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29302; habitatspartanburg.charityproud.org/Donate).

Floyd’s North Church Street