Owen H. Gassaway Sr.
Truly one of the Greatest of the Greatest Generation

Owen “83 1/2 years young” passed away peacefully on December 29, 2007. Alice, his loving wife of 63 years and his children were all at his bedside.

For the past 60 plus years, the name Owen H. Gassaway has been synonymous with Lantana Airport’s Aviation History. As a young boy in the 1930’s, he flew model airplanes on Morrison Field, now known as Palm Beach International Airport. Later, he made Lantana Airport his “Home” working as a bicycle mechanic and flying model airplanes. In World War II, he served with General Patton’s Third Army as a tank mechanic.

In 1946, Owen earned his airframe and powerplant license. In 1948, he was designated an aircraft maintenance inspector. In October, 1996, he was the recipient of the prestigious Federal Aviation Administration’s Charles Taylor Award, presented for 50 years of continuous service in aircraft maintenance.
Lantana Airport, built in the 1940’s, was home to Lantana Flying Service under the leadership of Owen who earned pilot ratings in many aircraft. He concentrated on aircraft maintenance, airport administration, and charter flying to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Cuba.

He later established Florida Airmotive, Inc., which became recognized as one of the finest General Aviation Service and Supply Companies in America, having branches in Boca Raton and the Caribbean. It was the largest on-demand charter service in Florida from 1972-1989.
Owen encouraged and supported young people’s interest in aviation, donating much of his time and funds. His involvement with Civil Air Patrol since its inception became legendary.

Lantana Airport is a crucial part of aviation history in South Florida thanks to Owen and his Aviation Center, the community and the world of aviators will miss his dedication to the industry he loved.

January 4, 2008: the family will receive friends at a memorial gathering from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mizell-Faville-Zern Funeral Home, 6411 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL, 561-833-4061. (east of I-95, north of Forest Hill Blvd.)

January 5, 2008: Funeral Service at 2:00 P.M., Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church, 2101 6th Avenue South, Lake Worth, (located 5 blocks west of I-95 on the south side of 6th Avenue South)

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions be made in memory of Owen H. Gassaway, Sr. and sent C/O Florida Airmotive, Inc., 2633 Lantana Road, Suite 13, Lantana, FL 33462, to any one of the following: BASA (Boynton Aerospace Science Academy) program at Boynton Beach High School (where a scholarship has been established in Owen’s honor); or PBCC “Palm Beach Community College” Foundation where an aviation scholarship has been established in the honor of Owen, or any charity you choose supporting youth and aviation.

For additional information you may contact Florida Airmotive, Inc. 561-965-6400. Email fla_air@msn.com. You can also learn more about Owen and the Lantana Airport at www.Lantanaairport.com.