Photos/Video: Memorial Service for Effingham Native Timothy Owens

VIDEO UNDER STORY

A memorial service was held Friday evening at the Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the old courthouse for Effingham native Timothy Owens, who was killed Wednesday, April 2 in the shooting at Foot Hood.

Belinda Rueter reads a letter from Owens' daughter as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders stands at attention

A crowd of about 150 gathered together to share their memories of Owens. Belinda Rueter, a friend of Owens for many years, read a letter from Owens' daughter. Effingham County Board Chairman Jim Niemann proclaimed Friday as a "Day of Remembrance" for Owens in the county.  Longtime friend Paul Eatherton, who lived with Tim many years ago, described the military counselor as energetic and a constant optimist.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders honored Owens at the service, and will be present at his funeral in Rolla, MO today.

A gallery of images from the memorial service is located here.