Ronald Carter Owens, age 81, passed away at the Village of Lebanon on January 3rd, 2026, after an extended illness. He was born on May 20, 1944, in Albany, Ky to his parents J.B. Owens and Mabel Dalton Owens and was a follower of the Christian faith.

Growing up in Columbia, Ky, he was involved in several sports and continued his athletic career at Oglethorpe University and Campbellsville University where he played basketball and baseball. He finished his academic career at Western Kentucky University with an undergraduate and master's degrees in education. He was a teacher and coach in Kentucky public schools for 15 years. Subsequently, he had a second career as a school fundraising salesman. Additionally, he was an avid golfer, diehard UK basketball and Alabama football fan, card playing shark, and Western movie buff.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved identical twin brother, Donald (Dual) Owens in 2018.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Owens of Lebanon, Ky; his daughters, Laura Gaunt (Steve) of Franklin, Tn.; Margaret Barker (Scott) of Bellbrook, Oh.; and his son, Ronald Carter Owens II (Holly) of Lawrenceburg, Ky. Also surviving are his brother, Mike Owens (Margaret) of Columbia, Ky. and sister Margaret Harrison of LaGrange, Ky. There are 5 surviving grandchildren; Evan Carter Gaunt of Louisville, Ky.; Neve Barker of Bellbrook, Oh.; Cali Barker of Bellbrook, Oh.; Ella Owens of Campbellsville, Ky.; and Coralee Carter Owens of Lawrenceburg, Ky. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a memorial service open to the public to celebrate Ron's life on January 16th from 4-6pm at Bosley Funeral Home in Lebanon, Ky. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross, or to the charity of your choice on his behalf. May he rest in Peace.