Creston was an active and vital OHMA member for many years;
serving on the Board of Directors and as Chairman. He will be greatly missed. A gift will be sent to the family from OHMA.
The Manassas area is mourning the loss of one of its best known and beloved businessmen.
Creston Owen, 45, died of a gunshot wound Tuesday night at his farm in Catlett, police said.
Police were called to Saturday Acres Farm about 6 p.m., where they found Owen dead in a detached garage, said Fauquier sheriff's Lt. James Hartman.
"At this point, it appears he may have been cleaning a firearm," he said.
Police won't make a final ruling until the results of an autopsy and "analysis of other evidence" are complete, Hartman said.
Owen leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and children Ashley and Ryan.
The business community reeled at the news of his death Wednesday.
"The Prince William Chamber and the entire community is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely loss of one of its most visible champions. Creston served in many different leadership roles culminating as chairman of the chamber in 2001," said chamber president Rob Clapper. "He will always be recognized for his dedication and passion to making his community the best it could be. The entire business community and our Board of Directors extends its condolences and prayers to the entire Owen family."
Owen was president/CEO at Falcon Communications Solutions, Inc. since August 1995.
He also was treasurer of Historic Manassas, Inc. and its past chairman of the board for two years.
"Historic Manassas, Inc. is deeply saddened by the loss of Creston Owen. We have lost a dear friend, who's energy abounded to make Manassas a better place to work, live and play. A true champion of Manassas for decades," the organization said in a statement.
"Creston's passion for Civil War history was evident in all his planning efforts for the upcoming Sesquicentennial. We are dedicated in keeping Creston's passion alive at Historic Manassas, and are extremely grateful for his commitment to Old Town Manassas. We extend great sympathy to his family, who have lost a husband and father. Our hearts are with them."
Owen owned and lived at Saturday Acres Farm in Fauquier County with his wife, where they ran a real estate business and bred and sold horses and Jack Russell terriers.
"Creston was giant of a man, not only in stature but also in his love for our community. He served on our board of directors for several years, but his generosity and many acts of kindness to the Center go way beyond that," said Sally Lay, executive director of the Manassas Center for the Arts. "My first memory of Creston goes back to the early 1990s when he called me for some reason and said 'What have you got over there, just one phone line?' Within a week, his crew showed up with a whole new phone system. We couldn't believe it. And that was just the beginning.
"For every growth step we took, Creston was there to help us reach the next level. Creston has been a great friend to me and to the Center for the Arts. We will miss him mightily."
Owen attended Brentsville District High School but graduated from Lake Braddock High School. He attended Ferrum College from 1982 to 1984.
His interest included boating, hunting and his children.
Other organizations he was involved in included the Rotary Club of Manassas, Civil War Sesquicentennial Network, the Waters Foundation, Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas. Park. He was awarded 20 business and community awards, the latest being Rotarian of the Year 2006-2007.
"Creston has been an absolutely phenomenal influence in our community for many years. Most recently, he has been instrumental in planning of the 150th Commemoration of the Battle of First Manassas/Bull Run. His vision, passion and energy greatly enhanced the process and will make this event so much better. Creston will be sorely missed," said Steve Nelson, chairman of the board, Prince William County/Manassas Convention Visitors Bureau.
