Bowling Green — Marcum “Marc” Alan Owens, 69, of Bowling Green, Kentucky passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025 at Hospice of Southern Kentucky after a short battle with glioblastoma.
He is survived by his children, Shelley Owens Portugal (Michael) and Landon Marcum Owens (Lindsey); his former wife and mother of his children, Melanie DeJarnette Owens; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Marc was born in Bowling Green on September 24, 1956, to June August (née Marcum) and James Arthur Owens, as the youngest of five siblings (Norma, Wanda, Lamar, and Terry). His sister Wanda in particular, along with her husband Fred McCloud, helped to raise Marc.
Marc was a beloved and influential presence in the Bowling Green music community as a drummer, recording engineer, and sound man. His love for music began early when he received his first drum kit at age ten. He went on to play with Wynlych Penn, SGT ARMS, Mirror Image, and Foster & Lloyd, and spent time on the road running sound for artists including Dennis Robbins and Clay Walker. Eventually, Marc returned home to focus his talents locally, founding High Street Studio in his basement.
Through High Street Studio, Marc recorded, produced, and engineered music for countless artists and friends. He worked closely with bands such as Government Cheese (the first group ever recorded at his studio), The Josephines, and Black Stone Cherry, and helped nurture emerging talent, including Perfect Confusion (the band that later evolved into Cage the Elephant). Marc also served for many years as a lead sound engineer at Hillvue Heights Church, running live sound and recording multiple worship albums. Marc continued collaborating with local musicians in various roles throughout his life, leaving a lasting legacy.
Above all, Marc was a proud father who spoke often and lovingly of his children, instilling in them his passion for music. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Greenwood Nursing & Rehab, South Central Kentucky Radiation & Cancer Center, and Hospice of Southern Kentucky.
Visitation will be Friday, January 9, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm at J.C. Kirby & Sons Funeral Chapel (832 Broadway Ave, Bowling Green, KY), followed by a celebration of life service at 12:00pm. A private burial will take place with his children at Fairview Cemetery. A memorial benefit concert will be held in Marc’s honor Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Capital Arts. Tickets are available at https://capitolbg.org/events/
