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2013 SESSION

13104172D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 800
Offered January 30, 2013
Celebrating the life of the Honorable Andrew Dow Owens.
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Patron-- Rush
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WHEREAS, the Honorable Andrew Dow Owens, an esteemed member of the Pulaski and New River Valley legal community who served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney and circuit court judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, died on November 28, 2012; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Pulaski High School, Dow Owens proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Force; and

WHEREAS, after his military service, Dow Owens began his undergraduate career at the St. Helena Extension of The College of William and Mary, which had been established specifically for returning veterans; and

WHEREAS, Dow Owens completed his undergraduate degree at Roanoke College and earned a law degree at the Washington and Lee University School of Law before returning to Pulaski and embarking on a distinguished legal career marked by public service; and

WHEREAS, Dow Owens served as secretary of the electoral board, as a substitute trial judge, as counsel for the New River Waste Water Treatment Authority, and as attorney for Pulaski County for nearly two decades; and

WHEREAS, Dow Owens also formed and served as the attorney for the Pulaski County Industrial Development Authority and Public Service Authority, which expanded water and sewer service to Pulaski County residents; and

WHEREAS, a respected prosecutor, Dow Owens served as a Commonwealth’s Attorney for 15 years before his appointment as a circuit court judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit; and

WHEREAS, known for his knowledge of the law and commitment to justice, Judge Owens presided with great integrity, professionalism, and wisdom, earning the respect of courtroom staff, attorneys, and fellow jurists during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, in retirement, Judge Owens continued to serve the Commonwealth as a substitute judge; and

WHEREAS, Judge Owens also took an active role in community affairs throughout his life, serving as president of the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski Elks Club, and Pulaski Science Club; and

WHEREAS, Judge Owens leaves behind a sterling legacy of service to his community and profession that others may strive to emulate; and

WHEREAS, Dow Owens will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Peggy; children, Kellie and Andrew, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and former colleagues; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a devoted public servant, the Honorable Andrew Dow Owens; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable Andrew Dow Owens as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.