History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

Bird S. Owen, Jr.opened the doors of his first funeral home on August 27, 1939. His goal was to provide a necessary service to people at their greatest time of need, and to do so as a neighbor and friend. Since that day, more than eight decades ago, we have honored his high standards and caring ideals in our daily endeavors.

The Owen family now has two locations. We believe that our dedication to sincere service has earned the respect and trust of our community. We pledge to continue providing the honest service began by Bird S. Owen, and to provide it with all the integrity he instilled in this family owned and operated business.

Our staff is trained and licensed to assist with every detail of making funeral and cremation arrangements. This includes offering advice and guidance throughout the decision-making process, answering questions about local customs and costs, assuring that legal requirements are met, and providing whatever equipment, facilities, and technical services are necessary or desired. We are prepared to carry out the wishes of those making the arrangements with understanding and consideration for everyone concerned.

When it is practical or possible, making funeral arrangements in advance of need can provide the peace of mind that all details have been taken care of in a way that is satisfying to oneself and one's survivors. A family discussion combined with our counsel can assure that everyone involved feels comfortable with the arrangements. Certainly we all would prefer that our loved ones be able to say afterward, "I'm glad we did" rather than "I wish I had." Pre-planning can help accomplish this goal.

Today, making any kind of funeral arrangements involves many choices and decisions. It is helpful to consider all the options and take time to ask questions before making final decisions about such an important event. It is our intent to help make the entire experience as positive as possible.

A tribute for those we've served

A tribute for those we've served

David Owen sings "My Old Kentucky Home" as a tribute to the families Owen Funeral Homes has been entrusted and honored to serve in the Louisville area in the great state of Kentucky for nearly 100 years.

A song of hope and healing

A song of hope and healing

David Owen sings "Softly and Tenderly". 

Our Valued Staff

  • David L Owen

    David L Owen, Owner of Owen Funeral Homes

    [email protected]David grew up in the Audubon Park area and graduated from Durrett High School. He joined the family business in 1973 and became a licensed funeral director in 1976. In 1987 with the death of his father and the founder of the business, Bird S. Owen, David became President of Owen Funeral Homes.When asked for his thoughts on funeral service, he says, "With the changing times in the Louisville Funeral Service, being family owned and operated is very demanding of everyone on our staff. But I am proud to be a part of the business that my dad began. Caring for each family with sincere service was my father's motto and that feeling lives on with the Owen Family today."David is dedicated to this business and the Louisville community and feels the compelling responsibility to serve. He currently serves on the boards of or is a member of: Past President of Funeral Director Association of Kentucky; Past President of Fall Cities Funeral Directors Association; Past President for the Funeral Auto Company; Valley Masonic Lodge #511; Louisville Consistory - Scottish Rite; Past Potentate of Kosair Shrine Temple; Past President of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Louisville; Past President of Gilda's Club of Louisville, and a Board member and trustee of Kosair Charities and National Corvette Restoration. He is also a trustee with Shively Area Ministries, a board member of Harbor House of Louisville and on the board of Supporting Heroes. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlowenDavid is married to Pamela (Hutchinson) Owen. His daughter, Rachel Barr graduated from the University of Louisville and is a Funeral Director for the Owen Funeral Home. David is an accomplished vocalist and musician. He has played with The Fanatics, a regional band since 1974 and he spent one year with The Wulfe Bros. He is currently singing with The Monarchs, www.themonarchs.com.His other interests include his hobby of riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles and golf.

  • Pamela Hutchinson Owen

    Pamela Hutchinson Owen, Social Media Manager, Licensed Funeral Director and Interior Designer

    [email protected]Pamela Owen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1953 to Alice and Bill Hutchinson. The family moved to Bardstown, KY, where she attended Bardstown City Schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade.Following her marriage to David Owen in 1978, she moved to Louisville. Pamela attended Kentucky Polytechnic Institute and received a degree in Interior Design in 1985. After graduation, she worked as a freelance interior designer until starting her apprenticeship for funeral directing in June 2003. Pamela received her funeral director’s license in June of 2006 after completing the 3-year program. Along with her responsibilities to family and other activities, she continues to oversee all of the interior design for both locations of Owen Funeral Homes. Pamela has been a certified Feng Shui Practitioner since March of 1998 and is also a certified Usui Reiki Master. Pamela was inducted into the "Fincastle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution." In 2018, she earned her Reiki Master certification. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-h-owenIn the continuing tradition of this family-owned and family-operated business, Pamela’s daughter, Rachel Hood Barr, is a Funeral Director at the Jeffersontown location and Dixie Highway and Highlands Family Owned Funeral Home. Pamela is the Social Media Manager for Owen Funeral Homes. She has a "passion for fashion" and has created several social media pages under the "Kentucky Fashion" name. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-h-owen-6850a2104 In her spare time, she enjoys long vacations with her husband David and listening to him sing with The Monarchs of Louisville.

  • Rachel  Barr

    Rachel Barr, Chief Operating Officer, Licensed Funeral Director

    [email protected]Rachel is the daughter of Pam and David Owen. She joined the funeral home in March 1999.Rachel attended Christian Academy of Louisville for 12 years, graduating in 1992. She attended the University of Louisville, receiving degrees in Psychology and Sociology. While attending UofL, she managed the Imaginarium Toy Store in The Mall St. Matthews.Following her graduation from UofL in 2000, Rachel started her apprenticeship at Owen Funeral Home and received her Funeral Director's License in 2003. She feels the most rewarding part of her job is being able to assist families through a difficult time. Rachel enjoys the family ties and being able to work daily with her parents.In June 2012, Rachel married Richard Barr in Hawaii. They enjoy sports (especially seeing the New York Yankees play), traveling, riding motorcycles, and hanging out with their dogs, Dillinger and Archie. In 2021, Rachel co-founded Top Shelf Motor Club, a club for people who enjoy cars, bikes, and trucks. Following the success of the motor club, Rachel and her business partner opened Top Shelf Performance on Main Street in Louisville, which specialize in aftermarket auto parts installation and sales. Rachel also enjoys photography and has her own company, RHB Photography.

  • Deborah Bales

    Deborah Bales, Director of Pre-Need, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Deborah Bales joined the staff of Owen Funeral Homes as Director of Pre-Need in 2020. She is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer since 2003. Deborah brings a wealth of education and life experience to this position. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Human Resources. She is also a licensed insurance agent in the state of Kentucky, a licensed cosmetologist since 1977, and a licensed cosmetology instructor since 2006. Deborah has a great love and respect for God and country. She is the daughter of an Air Force Veteran, the wife of an Army Veteran. She is also the proud mother of a highly decorated Army Lieutenant Colonel who is presently serving our great country.Deborah is a Texas native. She grew up watching her mother lovingly care for the elderly. She married Dave Bales in 1987 and left the “lone star state” in 1992 to call Louisville her home. In Louisville, she met “Mrs. Nancy” who became a surrogate mother and mentor, teaching her the meaning of giving. Through the influence of these beloved women, Deborah developed a love for serving the community and her fellowman. She and Dave are members of the First Church of the Nazarene on Blanton Lane; however, they also attend Fern Creek Christian Church. They have 6 children, 16 grandchildren, soon to be 17, (they adopted two of them) and 12 great grandchildren. Deborah is a member of KIPDA (Kentucky Regional Planning and Development Agency) where she was previously involved in the Family Caregiver and Grandparent Raising Grandchildren Program. She and her husband also graduated from the Citizen’s Police Academy Class 19 where they served many volunteer hours for the Louisville Metro Police Department. She and Dave strive to serve the community every opportunity, continuing the legacy of the women who were so important in their lives. For questions or information on pre-arranging, we encourage you to contact Deborah at 502-354-7152 or [email protected].

  • Kenneth  Cutrer

    Kenneth Cutrer, Pastoral Care Services

    [email protected]Ken joined the Owen Funeral Home staff in May of 2009. He has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky (B.A.), Eastern Kentucky University (M.A.), and Ashland Theological Seminary (M.A. and Doctor of Ministry). He has served churches in Ohio, Texas, the Cayman Islands and Kentucky and currently serves as Pastor of Hillview Community Church.Ken has been married to his lovely bride, Gretchen, since December 29, 1984. They are the proud parents of two sons, Jonathan and Jeffrey and Jeffrey’s new bride, Chelsey. He was also blessed with his first grandchild, Cash Alexander Cutrer, in February of 2020.At Owen Ken provides pastoral care services. He meets with families and offers pastoral care and assistance. He is also available to perform funerals for families at their request. As a part of Owen aftercare services, he leads support groups for newly bereaved families and also serves as a representative to the community.Let us know of any of your pastoral care needs and Ken will be honored to work with you.

  • Christopher Dyer

    Christopher Dyer, Level II Apprentice

    Christopher was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. He went to DuPont Manual High School and played football for The United States Military Academy at West Point. Afterwards, he enlisted in United States Army, and served four years in the Field Artillery as a Forward Observer. He married his high school sweetheart, Naudica, on New Year's Eve 2016. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time with their families.Christopher currently is serving as an apprentice for Owen Funeral Home and is taking classes at Mid-America College of Mortuary Services to obtain his licenses in both funeral directing and embalming.

  • Mark S. McNeil

    Mark S. McNeil, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

    [email protected]Mark joined the Owen Funeral Home Family in 2000. He has been in the funeral business since 1978. He graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in 1982. Along with his experience, he brings a compassionate presence as he serves families.Mark is married to the former Valeri Nana. They married in 1982 and have lived in the Dixie Highway area their whole lives. They have five children including three daughters Katie, Halle, and Addisyn and two sons Jason and Drew.

  • Genene  Nisbet, KLPC

    Genene Nisbet, KLPC, Bereavement Services Specialist

    [email protected]Genene joined the staff of Owen Funeral Home in 1996 as their Bereavement Services Specialist. Although a native of Louisville, she previously coordinated the bereavement program for Hospice of Hope in Maysville, Kentucky. Genene holds a B. S. in Educational Psychology from the University of Louisville and a Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. She is ordained as a minister and is also a Licensed Kentucky Pastoral Counselor. She also is Certified in Thanatology through the Association of Death Education and Counseling and approved as an ACPE Psychotherapist member with the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Genene provides a variety of bereavement services to Owen families. She finds companioning the bereaved through the different aspects of their particular grief journey fulfilling and meaningful. Genene is married to Michael Nisbet of Logan, West Virginia. They have two lovely children, a son Richard and a daughter Olivia. Genene is very proud of her family and enjoys spending time with them.

  • Wendy Goble O'Rourke

    Wendy Goble O'Rourke, Manager of Dixie Location, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Wendy Goble-O’Rourke is a licensed funeral director and embalmer and Manager of Owen Funeral Home, Dixie Highway.A former flight medic in the U.S. Army, she was recalled back to service in support of Desert Storm.She was Valedictorian of her 1993 graduating class from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Wendy feels she was chosen for this profession upon the death of her father, Oddis Goble when she was 11 years old. “I remember the devastation, knowing that I had lost a piece of myself and feeling lost.” Her father’s memory guides her with every grieving family she meets.  “Taking someone by the hand and walking beside them in one of the worst moments of their life is my life purpose.”  “You must do the thing you think you cannot do” Eleanor Roosevelt.   

  • Jackie R Pugh

    Jackie R Pugh, Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer

    [email protected]Jackie has been in the funeral business since 1987 after graduating from Mid-America College of Funeral Service. He joined the Owen Funeral Home team in 1999. It is his philosophy and belief that each family he serves deserves to be treated as if they were a member of his own family.Jackie and his wife Marlene, have been married since 1973 and they have one daughter, Leslie, and three granddaughters, Briana, Jayda and Kennedi and a great grandson, Buddy. They attend the Church 360.Jackie's hobbies include restoring old cars, fishing and hunting.

  • Melissa Roberson

    Melissa Roberson, Assistant Manager and Licensed Funeral Director

    Melissa Roberson joined Owen Funeral Home in 2015 and is a licensed funeral director. Melissa lived in Pleasure Ridge Park all of her life before moving to Shelbyville, KY five years ago. She’s been married to Winston Roberson, Jr. for 26 years and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Melissa is a 7-time cancer survivor. She is licensed phlebotomist and massage therapist. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, home decorating and softball.Melissa feels like the most rewarding part of her job is being able to guide a family through such a difficult time and takes pride in being able to make that transition easier on the family.

  • Kimberly Robinson

    Kimberly Robinson, Administrative Assistant

    Kimberly was born in Louisville, and grew up in Valley Station, graduating from Valley High School in 2006, then attending Sullivan University. Prior to entering into the funeral profession, Kimberly worked 8 years as a manager for Walmart. As an administrative assistant for Owen Funeral Home, Dixie Highway, Kimberly does some bookkeeping, file organization, customer service, and general staff support. In September of 2019, Kimberly married Justin Robinson and have four children, Hannah, Zachary, Caleb, and Abigail. She enjoys watching movies, fishing, and spending time with her children, family, and friends.

  • Linda  Owen

    Linda Owen, Funeral Director Emeritus

    Linda Owen was a female pioneer in the funeral service industry. She became a licensed funeral director in 1986. Shortly before this time only 5 percent of funeral directors in the United States were women. Linda has pressed forward and accomplished many achievements. She and the Owen family are owners of Owen Funeral Home Dixie and Jeffersontown. The Owen family is also owners of Highland’s Funeral Home; along with another local family.Linda grew up in the Audubon Park area and graduated from DuPont Manual High School. She was later inducted into DuPont Manual’s Hall of Fame. She went on to receive her Bachelors of Music in Voice Pedagogy from the University of Louisville. She attributes her musical talents to her mother, Edith. Linda was awarded “Women of the Year” by Women in Funeral Service in 2000 and also received Today’s Women Magazine “Savvy Sister Award' in 2003. Linda’s path was not always easy and she was known for making “lemonade” out of lemons. Following the loss of three babies in pregnancy, Linda found out firsthand that there was no appropriate merchandise for “the forgotten.” She created, “Our Little Angel Company” that provided baby guest register books, preemie caskets and burial clothing. Now other companies are serving grieving mothers and fathers in this area.Linda Owen’s husband Charles “Chuck” Miller died in 2002. She used the experience of her loss to reach out and touch others that grieve. Linda was living her life’s passion by following in her father’s footsteps. “I am blessed to have had the experience of watching a caring father help others and be able to continue that tradition in this honor.”Linda Owen Miller passed away from Alzheimer's disease on September 13, 2022.