Owen E. Mardis Jr.

Owen E. Mardis, Jr. (73) of Newcomerstown passed away of natural causes on October 14, 2025 at his residence. Born in Newcomerstown on June 19, 1952 and sometimes referred to as “Odie” or “Jim” by relatives, friends, and community members, he is the youngest child of the late Owen E. and Marion D. (McCoy) Mardis, Sr.

In addition to his parents, Owen is preceded in death by his former wife Barbara J. (Ice) Mardis, brothers Kenneth L. Mardis and Paul C. Mardis, Sr., and nephew Army SF SSG Paul C. Mardis, Jr., whom he was very proud of. Twin brother James Jay and sister Barbara Jean passed in childbirth.

After graduating with the Newcomerstown Class of 1971, his parents offered him the opportunity to attend college, but since his father served in WWII as a medic and his older brothers had already made their commitment to serve in Vietnam, Owen thought it was only right to serve his country. Owen was stationed in Germany where he received, inventoried, and disbursed military vehicle parts until 1974 when he was honorably discharged. In letters to his parents, commanding officers classified Owen’s behavior in the military as above and beyond his rank; he also completed a Leadership training course and learned telephone switchboard repair while enlisted. He was awarded a defense medal for marksmanship with the M-16 and family called him “Jimmy Trigger” where the nickname “Jim” originated from.

In his earlier years, community members may have crossed paths with Owen when he worked for Pappy Watts at the hardware store. In the 90s, Owen managed the Reliable Auto Parts store formerly located on the corner of Canal and River streets. Later on in life, he was an ASE Certified Auto Parts Specialist serving Newcomerstown residents in need of car parts for repair at Marstrell Auto Parts.

In his retirement, Owen enjoyed a good NFL or college football game on TV, especially OSU. He could also be found peacefully tending to his yard and repairing the small engines of lawn equipment. Furry trespassers may have received a warning shot in the rear end from one of his prized pellet or BB guns if caught stealing from his garden.

Even though Odie had no trouble sharing a laugh and a beer with others from time-to-time or even baking a round, three-layered chocolate cake from scratch to cheer up his couch-stricken daughter for her allergy-ridden 14th birthday, his most notable characteristic that he preached and practiced throughout every aspect of his life was that, “A man is only as good as his word.” He was integrity personified, a man to be trusted; a watch could be set to his consistent, dependable behaviors.

Surviving is Owen’s daughter Amanda Mardis (David Lanham, Jr.); granddaughter Cadence Moore and great-grandson Mason Jay Palmer; and grandson Braden Moore. Also surviving is Owen’s sister Teresa (Steve) Price and her children James Griffin, Wayne Griffin, Lisa Schaefer, and John Griffin; brother Paul’s daughters Sherri (Tolly) Lawrence and Cindy (Greg) Biolcati Rinaldi; and brother Kenny’s children Ann Mardis and Beau Mardis, as well as many extended family members.

Amanda would like to express her heart-felt thanks to cousins Patrick and Phillip Mardis, the Newcomerstown Police and Fire Departments, and the Tri County Ambulance as the first to respond with their sensitive and professional treatment at her father’s passing.

The Honor Guard will perform graveside services at West Lawn Cemetery on the afternoon of Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1 o’clock where Owen’s cremains will be laid to rest alongside other veterans. A Celebration of Life will follow at Christ Methodist Church where family and friends can sign the visitor register, collect a memorial folder, and share a meal and stories of Owen.

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