John M Owen III
John was born May 29, 1950 in Bedford Virginia. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1968
attended Ferrum Junior College, Central Virginia Community College, earned certificates with The
American Institute of Banking and graduated from The Virginia School of Bank Management at the
University of Virginia.
John married Nancy Lisa April 1977 and together they raised a daughter, Alison and son, Jay (John IV).
They are blessed to be grandparents to 3 beautiful granddaughters, Gracin age 12, Sophia 9 and
Campbell 6 and one handsome grandson, Cannon (John V) age 1. Alison is a speech therapist with
Lynchburg City Schools and Jay owns a dental practice in Bedford.
John worked as a banker in Bedford and retired from First Citizens Bank June 2015. He was elected in
1980 to Bedford City Council for 12 years and was Vice Mayor for 8 of those years. He has been and
currently is serving on local government boards and commissions and community service organizations
such as the Lions Club, Bedford Hospice House, citizen’s board member for Bedford Fire and Rescue and
Bedford Educational Foundation. He was designated a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions International. He is a
lifelong member of Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford serving as an usher and on many
boards and committees. He officiated high school and college football games for 46 seasons.
John became a charter member of the Bedford Lodge 2844 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks when it was instituted in November 2005. He was installed as the Loyal Knight at that same event.
He became Exalted Ruler of the Lodge in April 2007 and is currently a lodge trustee. He served as
Southwest District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler under PGER Mike Smith 2010 – 2011, was elected to the
four Vice President offices of the Virginia Elks Association and has served on numerous VEA committees.
He is the 2009 winner of the L Glenn Morris Eleven O’clock toast contest.
John is humbled and honored to be able to serve the Virginia Elks Association as its president for the
year 2020 – 2021.