[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GEORGE LEE ADRAIN OWEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Lee 
Adrain Owen of Douglas County, Missouri for his lifelong work and 
dedication to this country.
  Mr. Owen was born and raised in Douglas County before being drafted 
into the United States Army when he was 18 years old. He was 
immediately sent overseas where he served as an infantryman for the 
75th Infantry Division. He fought in several battles, including the 
Battle of the Bulge, where he earned the Purple Heart for an injury he 
sustained in that battle. He also received three Bronze Stars, the 
Combat Infantry Badge, and several other commendations for his valiant 
actions in the war before being discharged on March 14, 1946.
  Upon reentering the civilian workforce, Mr. Owen worked as a dairy 
farmer, as well as at the Rock Island Arsenal for 30 years before 
retiring in 1980. He then moved back to Douglas County and bought a 
farm that he owns to this day. Mr. Owen enjoyed nearly 56 years of 
marriage to his wife Laverne, before her passing in 2002. Together, 
they have three children: Linda, James, and Brenda.
  Mr. Owen continues to be active in his community to this day, serving 
as the Chaplain for the local VFW, American Legion, and Douglas Country 
Veterans Memorial Association. He is also the Deacon at Bethany Baptist 
Church and is a strong supporter of the Senior Center and their 
activities. For his outstanding career and community achievements, it 
is my pleasure to recognize George Lee Adrain Owen before the United 
States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________