Former Bob Evans chief dies at 53
Business First of Columbus
Family and friends are paying tribute to former Bob Evans Farms Inc. CEO Stewart Owens with a memorial service Monday afternoon following his death at the age of 53.
Owens joined Bob Evans when his family’s Owens Country Sausage Inc. was acquired by the Columbus-based restaurant chain in 1987. He died Friday from gastric esophageal cancer, the company said
“Stewart dedicated the majority of his life to building Owens Foods into the quality brand that it is today,” Bob Evans Chairman and CEO Steven Davis said in a statement. “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Stewart’s wife, Cindy, and her children.”
Owens was on Bob Evans’ (NASDAQ:BOBE) board from 1987 until 2005, when he resigned as chairman and CEO. Prior to that, he was president and chief operating officer, and had served in vice presidents posts in the ‘90s. Owens stepped in as vice president at Owens Foods in 1980 and became president and chief operating officer of the Richardson, Texas-based company in 1984, marking the third generation of family involvement, according to the company.
Bob Evans spokesman David Poplar said Owens will be buried in Texas, where the family business is based, but arrangements are pending.
Online condolences through Schoedinger Funeral and Cremation Service, along with information on memorial contributions, are available here.
Latest News |
Most Viewed Stories |
Most Emailed Stories |
