He was born on December 7, 1923, to Elmer Peffer and Flora Timme Pfeffer. At twenty years of age, he proudly went to serve his country, in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was stationed overseas in the South Pacific, in Japanese territory, at the US Naval Base on the island of Peleliu.

Owen was a Radarman- First Class for 17 months in Peleliu, before returning home to the United States with an Honorable Discharge After his return home, Owen met the love of his life, Gardinal Lydia Peschel. They were married, November 4, 1947, in Nelsonville, Texas at her parents’ home.

They began their marriage with Owen working for the Santa Fe railroad, from which he retired, and soon started their family. Their marriage lasted for 67 years until Gardinal’s passing in 2014.

Owen was an avid hunter; deer, dove and quail, were his favorites. He also liked to attend the local turkey shoots with his son, Larry. They usually won a prize for their excellent shooting. He was also an excellent bow hunter and went on his last bow hunt in 2006 at the age of 83.

On his 100th birthday on December 7, 2023, a Santa Fe representative came in from Austin, Texas to present him with an Award Certificate commending him on obtaining the age of 100. He was proud of this award.

Owen’s mind and memory was perfect for a man of 101 years of age. He was kind, hardworking, and easy going all of his life.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gardinal Pfeffer; brothers, Harry Pfeffer, Valgene Pfeffer; sisters, Leona Gilbert, Edith Latimer, Wilma Nichols, Ruth Peschel; sister-in-law, Pearl Pfeffer; brothers in law, John Gilbert, Ralph Latimer, Gene Nichols and Cecil Peschel.

Owen is survived by his children; Linda Kollatschny and husband Leon; Sandra Barrett and husband Charles; Ronnie Pfeffer and wife Mary; Larry Pfeffer and Judy Pfeffer.

Grandchildren; Clint Barrett (Anela), Robert Barrett (Whitney), Kerin Robinson (Seth), Angie Mazac, Vance Kollatschny (Simmie), Lisa Sinsabaugh (David), Kami Krause (Randy), Dean Pfeffer (Jennifer), Amanda Widner (Jess), Amber Pope (Jonathan), and Whitney Pilini ( Nick).

Great grandchildren; Eva, Easton, Cullen, Calleigh, Braxton, Declan, Torin, Luca, Alexis, Ashley, John, Taylor, Sydney, Zachary, Kamryn, James, Nick, Chauncey, Greyleigh, Grady, Justin, Jacob, Colton and Sienna.

Great-great granddaughter; Mia Rose.

Brother; Elfred Pfeffer; sister in laws; Betty Pfeffer, Sue Ellen Pfeffer and Leonora Zander. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

We want to give a special “Thank You” to our brother-in-law and husband, Leon Kollatschny who gave Owen his undivided time, attention, love and help over all the years of taking Owen to his doctor’s appointment or wherever he needed to go. Leon was there for him. We love you and thank you “Leon.” We know how much you cared for and respected our father and how much he cared for you.

We also want to give special thanks to the doctors and to all the nurses at Rice Medical Center Hospital in Eagle Lake, Texas. You were all so caring, helpful and wonderful to our father. during his two month stay at the hospital. Our father could not have had better care anywhere, than with “all of you.” Thank you from Owen’s family.

Family received friends from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 1700 Milam Street, Columbus, Texas; followed by a funeral service that started at 1 p.m.

Graveside was held at 3 p.m., at the Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake, Texas. Pallbearers were Dean Pfeffer, Clint Barrett, Robert Barrett, Vance Kollatschny, Taylor Mazac, Cullen Barrett, Jonathan Pope, Jess Wilder, Seth Robinson and Nick Pilini.