W. Owen Unkefer

1957-2024

COLUMBIANA — W. Owen Unkefer, 67, of Columbiana, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Tresa Hahlen Unkefer and his children.

Owen was born February 3, 1957, in Alliance, son of the late William Glen Unkefer and Jane Willis Unkefer. From there, his life was a framework of love, labor, and community spirit that found its home on his family dairy farm, Ufashion Jerseys.

A proud graduate of Crestview High School, Owen poured himself into Ufashion Jersey Farm, a steadfast plot of land where innovation met nurturing, and profit was measured by jerseys. Owen’s farm motto was “Jersey’s — More Profit per Acre”. Moving to the farm at age six, Owen thrived, absorbing lessons of stewardship; at sixteen, he took the reins and never looked back. Possessing an unwavering fix-it mentality, Owen was renowned for his determination and commitment to everything he touched. Active in the American Jersey Cattle Association, he enjoyed attending the national conventions and was a proud recipient of the Young Jersey Breeder Award in 1991.

He built a successful dairy operation while creating a lasting legacy, raising his children–Ashley (Damion) Wallace of East Rochester, Cinda (Nathan) Lude of Hanoverton, Ann (Grant) Cope of Salem, and Todd (Paige) Unkefer of Columbiana, with a respect for the land and a strong work ethic.

At merely 18, Owen joined the Columbiana County Agricultural Society, quickly finding his place within the heart of the county fair — a passion that would fuel him throughout his life. Owen was a fairboard director for over 30 years, dedicating his time to roles that uplifted both the infrastructure and youth programs, including his many years as a 4-H advisor. His leadership of the Columbiana County Fair and Junior fairboard was a beacon of innovation with a new software program leading the way, rebuilding the grandstands, soliciting donations and building a new beef complex. His enthusiasm for the first week of August was infectious, earning him the Lifetime Fair Supporter Award from the Ohio Fair Managers Association in 2020, a nod to his steadfast dedication.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Owen was also known for his unwavering passion for Cleveland sports and his beloved Crestview Rebels. Whether cheering for his favorite teams from the stands or watching at home, sports were a constant source of joy in his life.

Owen leaves behind his wife, children, two step-daughters, Jenna (Holt) Mallard of Sabina and Amanda (Frank Oliva) Hall of New York, NY, siblings, Kathie (Gerald) Reid of Wooster, Debbie (Alden) Weichel of Richmond, VA, Dale (Brenda) Unkefer and Lee Unkefer of Columbiana, and eleven grandchildren, Lincoln and Rosa Wallace, Blake, Brock, and Bryce Lude, Cam, Cora, and Coy Cope, and Rowan, Kenley and Edison Unkefer.

Owen’s family appreciates all the caregivers who kept him comfortable with exceptional care over the past few months, including Ashley Smith, Jada Shafer, Courtney Logan, McKenna Dailey, Another Way Home staff, Ohio Living Hospice Care and his nurse, Bethany Dotson.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 5-8 p.m., at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with Doug Barber officiating.

Burial will take place at Moultrie Chapel Cemetery, Minerva.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Columbiana County Fair, P.O. Box 356 Lisbon, OH 44432, a cause he dearly loved.

12/2/24