Melvin Owens, age 84 of Pikeville, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Erlanger Baroness Hospital in Chattanooga. He was born in Jasper, Alabama, on August 5, 1941, the son of the late William Mont Owens and Ella (Gunter) Owens. He was also preceded by his two sisters, Louise and Jean; and his five brothers, Leon “Stogie”, Bert, Levern, Pete, and Gary.

Melvin called Pikeville home from 1998 onward, having roots in Walker County, Alabama, before that. He was a proud United States Marine who carried his sense of duty throughout his life — working hard as a steelworker at Birmingham Steel and later in the security field. His was of the Baptist faith. In quieter moments, you'd find him tending his farm, caring for his goats, building something with his hands, or surrounded by the family he cherished above all else.

The Owens’ family has honorably served our country for generations including the Civil War, Spanish American War, WW I, WW II, Korean War, Viet Nam and in Afghanistan.

He is survived by his six children, Brandi Anne “Annie” Marie Owens of Pikeville, Matthew (Patricia) Owens of Spring City, Jamie Owens of Cleveland, Eugene Barry Owens of California, Anne Patrick Owens (Daniel) Siefert of California, and Liz Owens of the Philippines; his six grandchildren, Atticus O’Banner, Hailey Marie Pennington, Carson Swafford, Shane Owens, Emily Owens, and Gabbrielle Owens; his brother, Roy (Molly) Owen of Texas; and his numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Rhea Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Melvin on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being served by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, where they will receive friends on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.