Obituary of Dewey M. Owens

Dewey Owens Dewey Owens a long time resident of the Hudson Valley, entered into rest Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie. He was 81. Son of the late Dewey C. and Ola Caston Owens, he was born May 3, 1925 in Tryon, North Carolina. He received early training in violin, piano and organ. He proudly served his country during World War II in the United States Army in Europe. Mr. Owens studied voice and organ at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He was later personal assistant to American Composer John Haussermann and made his vocal debut in his Cantana for Baritone and Orchestra. In 1955 Mr. Owens received the Ernest Bloch award for choral composition. Subsequently, he studied with Lucille Lawrence, then with her husband, legendary harpist and composer Carlos Salzedo. He later authored Mr. Salzedo's biography. Long revered in the world of harp music, Mr. Owens composed many teaching pieces, transcriptions and original works. In 1983, he composed an hour long Festival Cantana which he conducted in the Vassar College Chapel with a 175 voice chorus. Mr. Owens taught harp at Vassar College for many years as well as numerous gifted private students. He was a former organist and choir director for many churches in New York City as well as Hyde Park Methodist Church, Trinity Methodist Church and, most recently, the First Church of Scientist in Poughkeepsie. He is survived by three brothers, Haven Owens and John Ernest Owens both of Hickory, North Carolina and Arthur Owens of San Rafael, California and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Lemuel and Landis Owens. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Straub Funeral Home, 55 East Main St., Wappingers Falls.