Thomas Joseph Owen

Thomas Joseph Owen, 71, of Chesterfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer.

Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky on October 29, 1954, the son of William and Betty Owen. After graduating from DeSales High School, he attended the University of Louisville, where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry.

He spent his career as a research chemist, the majority of which was at Bayer Pharmaceuticals (formerly Monsanto, Pfizer, and Pharmacia). He is a co-author on several papers and patents. Later in his career, he also took up teaching Chemistry at a local community college.

Life for Tom centered on more than just work, however. He gave generously back to the community, serving as Scoutmaster for the local Boy Scouts of America (Scouting America) Troop 597 for twenty-five years. Known affectionately to the boys as “OJ”, he was passionate about helping young people learn leadership, practical life skills, responsibility, and good citizenship. In his time as Scoutmaster, Tom coached over 60 boys to earn their Eagle Scout Award, Scouting’s highest rank. He also was a longtime advisor in the Order of the Arrow and a merit badge counselor for cooking, camping, and chemistry. All his Scouts remember fondly times spent sitting around the campfire enjoying his famous cobbler for dessert.

His commitment to others, faith, and community was recognized in 2016 when he was named Chesterfield Citizen of the Year for his dedication to Scouting and Ascension Catholic Church. He was a loving husband and a devoted father - his love, guidance, and support will remain with his wife and children forever.

Tom embraced life with warmth, energy, and humor. A lifelong runner, he completed over 30 Derby Festival mini-marathons. He loved to cook, camp, hike, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with his family. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the University of Louisville Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals. His quick wit, sage advice, generous heart, and gift for teaching left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Beth; his loving children, Thomas, Daniel, and Julie; and his sisters, Darlene (Paul) Alexander, Anne (John) Sansbury, and Mary (Mike) Hovekamp.

A funeral Mass will be held on October 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church. 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005. A graveside service will be held on November 3, 2026 at noon at Calvary Cemetery. 1600 Newburg Rd. Louisville, Kentucky 40205. A memorial Mass will also be held on November 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. 3926 Poplar Level Rd. Louisville, Kentucky 40213.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests you consider a donation to The Owen Family Scholarship at DeSales High School in Louisville, KY in Tom's honor. To donate please click here and enter the name of the fund (The Owen Family Scholarship Fund).