Alden Ernest Floyd "Ernie" Owens

Alden Ernest Floyd Owens (Ernie), 86, of Honey Brook, formerly of Broomall, passed away on Thursday, September 25th at Fairlane Gardens Nursing Home in Reading, PA.

He was born in Sevierville, Tennessee on June 9, 1939, and was the son of the late Rena and Jake Owens.

Ernie joined the US Army in 1956. He served in two tours of Vietnam, rising to the rank of Sgt. Major. After retiring from the military in 1977, he held various jobs in the following years and spent the end of his career at Marple Newtown School District, retiring in 2000. In retirement, he found joy and purpose spending time with his loved ones and engaged in many volunteer pursuits. His philosophy was to try to help someone each day. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Isabel (Izzy) Owens of Honey Brook, PA.

He was a dedicated and steadfast father. He is survived by his sons, Michael Owens (Beth) of Little River, SC and Stephen Owens (Sally) of West Chester, PA; a daughter, Susan Reinertsen (Dave) of Hilton Head Island, SC; and a stepson, Dave Marchiafava (Mary Jo) of Parkesburg, PA.

Ernie was a devoted and very present Grandfather to his six Grandchildren; Kimberly Cafarchio (Mike), Kyle Owens (Alli), Danielle Martin (Matt), Kristen Franca (Armando), Peter Norgeot and Emily Norgeot.

He was also a proud Great Grandfather to Lucy, Liza, Beau, Bryce, Finn, Claire, Luca and Gianna.

He is preceded in death by his late wife, Barbara Danby Owens (d. 2012); as well as his four brothers and three sisters.

There will be a public viewing and eulogy at Labs Funeral Home in Honey Brook, PA on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 1:30 pm.

An interment service, with US Army Military Honors will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:30 am at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, Pa. 17003. Family and Friends will meet at the driveway behind the cemetery administration building at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Alden Owens to the Alden & Barbara Owens Endowment Fund, c/o Marple Public Library, 2599 Sproul Road, Broomall, Pa. 19008.

Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook, Pa.

Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.thelabsfh.com

Add My Condolences

Isabel, Michael, Stephen, Susan and Dave, please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Isabel, your husband and your children’s father was a dedicated and hard-charging warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served courageously with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment in Headquarters Troop of the 2nd Squadron. Many of us were wounded when we learned of his passage as Sergeant Ernie Owens will be remembered as an honorable trooper whose very presence brought comfort and support to his fellow troopers. He will be included on the Honor Role of our combat veterans, and honored at our next reunion, as well as other gatherings this coming year. His service highlighted his bravery and valor and was guided with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. As grateful Americans we should all pause and salute a man who was willing to put his life on the line for his country. His eulogy so well captures the essence of a truly loved Blackhorse brother. As our burial liturgy states: “ … his life has not ended, merely changed ..." and as we were together then in Vietnam, we will be together again in the life hereafter, warmly embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Chaplain Bill, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)

~ Chaplain Bill Karabinos
11/2/2025 8:01:14 PM

As a caregiver, I remember Alden as a friendly, compassionate, fearless man who welcomed a stranger like a family member. I am glad, I could help with daily activities to the best of my ability. A noble couple of virtue, Alden and Izzy, a wife, made a positive impact on a younger generation of people to follow.

~ Nataly Babas Honeybrook, PA
10/9/2025 3:02:58 PM

Ernie you are one amazing guy. So grateful for all the love and support you so easily gave! Thanks for accepting me into the family!! The next time I saw Ernie after my wedding to David, Izzy’s son, Ernie was so excited to say good morning Mrs Owens!!! Which is sweet but not my new last name!! Rest in Peace Ernie. You will be missed by so many! Love Marijo Marchiafava.

~ Marijo Marchiafava Parkesburg, Pa
10/9/2025 11:49:36 AM

Ernie was a good friend. I enjoyed working with him at the food bank. My condolences to Izzy and the entire family. He will be missed.

~ Jane Kerr
10/8/2025 9:05:42 AM

Mike, Steve and Susan I have great memories of your dad. I am sorry for your loss.

~ Ken owen Glenolden, PA
10/3/2025 6:03:46 PM

Dearest Izzy, we hope you are doing ok; besides missing Ernie. He was loved; that's a great life. And then he met you. Lisa & Greg

~ Lisa Rice New Milton, WV, West Virginia
10/3/2025 5:12:15 PM

A friend of Mike Owens. I’ve met Mr. Owens many times at family celebrations. It was a joy to watch him with his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers to you, Mike, and your extended family, as you navigate this difficult journey. Take comfort in the beautiful memories you have of this wonderful man. - Diane Stone

~ Diane Stone
9/30/2025 3:11:18 PM

Add My Condolences