Frank E. Owen, 79, of 2 Redfield Pkwy., retired director of music in the City School District, died at 4:45 a.m. Sunday (July 9, 1978) at St. Jerome Hospital where he had been a patient since May 17.

One of the best known teachers in the district, Mr. Owen was born in St. Georges, Shropshire, England, Feb. 19, 1899, a son of William and Harriet Ramsey Owen. He came to Batavia in 1927 as a music instructor and served the district for 37 years until his retirement in 1964.

H originated the Batavia High School Choristers, a group which gained nationwide acclaim through the years, and was founder of the Genesee County Music Educators Association.

Mr. Owen was elected to the City School District Board of Education one year after his retirement, and was elected president of the board in 1969.

He was a member of St. James Church, a member and past president of the Rotary Club and a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

Surviving are his wife, Natalie Walker Owen; two sons, James R., of Hamburg, and Robert W. of California, and a daughter, Katherine at home.

There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be conducted at the convenience of the family at Machpelah Cemetery, Le Roy. Memorials may be made to the Frank E. Owen Music Scholarship Fund in care of John Bobka, director of the City School District Music Department.

Arrangements were completed by the H. E. Turner & Co. Inc. Mortuary.

Please see the tributes to Mr. Owen at the bottom of the Choristers Page.