Racine– Thomas Babock Owen, age 86, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Monday afternoon, June 9, 2014.
Tom was born in Chicago, IL on January 8, 1928 – the only child of the late Arthur and Stella (nee: Babock) Owen. His family moved to Racine when Tom was 14 years old. Tom attended Racine Public Schools graduating from Park High School. Tom attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduating with a degree in economics. He was very proud of his alma mater and enjoyed the monthly magazine and keeping up with the progress of the university as years went by. Tom went on to have a successful career as a boat / yacht broker. He worked at Palmer Johnson, Pugh’s Marina and later self employed. Sailing became his passion after he and his father purchased their first boat, a 40 foot schooner, from the Chicago area, not knowing the first thing about sailing. He went on to sail in 36 races in his lifetime, twenty five of them Chicago and Port Huron Mackinac races. He taught classes for his “kids” for many years, building many small boats with the help of others. He became a lifetime member of the Racine Yacht Club. In later years he enjoyed his monthly luncheons with the Old Timers.
Tom faithfully & proudly served our country with the United States Army in the elite Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War. His service to our country was something he talked about every day of his life. Tom also became an excellent photographer and used his talents to shoot weddings, portraits, and many sailing vessels. He taught several young people these skills as well – many of whom have become excellent photographers themselves. Above all, he loved spending time with his extensive circle of friends. While not having children of his own, he reached out to young people through First Presbyterian Church by “adopting” (anonymously) families at Christmas. Many children had a brighter Christmas because of his generosity. Another important passion was his love of all things related to the Civil War. His personal books, stories and research made him an interesting story teller in later years. He loved a good story! He had an incredible memory and would share with his friends stories from the war, sailing and the Civil War.
In addition to several cousins, Tom is survived by his loving friends, Roy (the late Lilly “Chris”) Scheller; Sharon Campbell; Mark (Brenda), David & Grace Campbell; Lisa Campbell; his “kids” from all the former Basics of Sailing classes that he taught at the Yacht Club; many other dear friends – too numerous to mention all by name. Tom will be remembered for this love of sailing, his generosity, and his great smile.
Memorial services celebrating Tom’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Steve Fringer and Rev. Gillian Weighton officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:30 am -1:00 pm. Military honors & a luncheon (at Buona Vita Restaurant in Racine) will follow. Memorials to the American Heart Association or to one’s favorite charity have been suggested.
Special note of thanks to the entire staff of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints for the compassionate care and wonderful support extended during the past month. May God bless all of you! In accordance with Tom’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
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