Owen Frederick Baynard of Chiefland, FL, died at North Florida Regional Medical Center after a brief illness on Friday, February 17, 2012 at the age of 59. Owen was born in Gainesville, Florida on March 13, 1952, the son of Walter Lee Baynard, Sr. and Eleanor Ruth Knowles Baynard. As a young lad, Owen moved with his family to St. Petersburg, attended high school in Tampa at
Berkley Prep, where he was president of his class, editor of the year book, played many sports, and was one of the first teenage `Big Brothers`. He later came back to North Florida where he attended the University of Florida, and upon his father`s death took over the reigns of Walter Baynard & Co. He was a mortgage broker and realtor for 40 years. He was the founding director of the Bank of Florida, which ultimately merged with Drummond Community Bank. He remained on the Board of Directors at Drummond Community Bank. He helped to organize the Fanning Springs Business Organization and the Chiefland Police Council. 
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He received the Sertoma "Service to Mankind" Award from Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce as well as the Citizen of the Year Award by the Chiefland Chamber of Commerce. He has served on many boards over the years, including the Chiefland High School Academy Advisory Board, and as
president of the Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy Counties Multiple Listing Service, and president of the Board of Realtors. Owen was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many leadership positions including Bishop of the Church for over 12 years. Owen was a dedicated scout leader and took pride in working with youth. Under his
guidance, twelve young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Owen was known for living by the quotes "Character counts", and "Love is Service", and was known to say, "When in the service to your fellow man, you are only in the service of your God." Anyone that knew Owen knew that he had a deep belief in helping others and rarely said that something could not be done. He enjoyed geo-caching, genealogy, cycling, Find-a-grave.com,
politics, and the "Gators", but his real love in life was spending time with his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda Robinson Baynard; his sons, Benjamin A. (Sunny) Baynard, of Chiefland, Michael (Debbie) Wright, of Ft. White, and Gregory A. (Cheryl) Moody
South Bend, IN; and daughters, Alicia M. (Jim) Jenkins of High Springs, and Adrienne V. Moody of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Madison Baynard, Tucker Baynard, Douglas Moody, Rachel Moody, Patrick Moody, Abigail Moody, Hailey Jenkins, Jordyn Jenkins and Jakob Jenkins; and his brothers, W. Lee Baynard Jr., of St. Petersburg, and Robert (Theresa) Baynard of North Carolina.
Owen was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Catherine Baynard, and Caroline Baynard. Funeral services are planned for Saturday, Feb 25, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Chiefland. Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 24 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.
Arrangements are under the care of Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 1301 N. Young Blvd., Chiefland, FL 32626, 352-493-0050. On line condolences may be sent through our website at www.hiers-baxley.com |
