Mr. Owens - who changed the name to Cider Mill Farm - expanded the business, which was open from April through November.
"Tom was very entrepreneurial and could visualize things in great detail. He was very persevering. He had lots of knowledge and was very resourceful," said Claire Ann Gase, who was farm manager from 1975 to 1984.
"One of the first things he did was replace the original 1916 cider press and brought in new equipment, and it wasn't uncommon for us to sell 1,000 gallons of cider on the weekend," Ms. Gase recalled.
In 1975, Mr. Owens, who began selling apples and pies alongside U.S. 29 in Ellicott City, wanted to attract customers to the newly reopened mill.
He hosted harvest festivals and pie-eating contests, and welcomed busloads of schoolchildren who came to pick pumpkins, enjoy the 150-animal petting zoo, and take hayrides.
"Tom wanted to get the word out. Soon, cars lined the road and driveways to the mill for apples, cider, fresh-baked pies, breads, pastries, jams and jellies," Ms. Gase said. "He had honeybees and sold honey."
He was also known for the apple butter that was slowly cooked over open fires in 50-gallon kettles.
"He also sold fresh-pressed apple cider at craft fairs and farmers' markets, including the Waverly Farmers' Market in Baltimore," Ms. Gase said. "Tom gave away free samples and explained how it was made. He was a talker and enjoyed people."
The farm was closed and sold for a housing development in 2002.
Mr. Owens, who was proficient in Chinese and admired Chinese culture, established the Chinese Conversation Corner in Timonium in 1990.
He was also an avid white-water kayaker and had traveled widely in China.
"Dad always did everything full-tilt," his daughter said. "Nothing was ever done halfheartedly, and growing up with him was an adventure."
For years, Mr. Owens lived in an 18th-century home on Manor Lane in Ellicott City. The house had been a tavern patronized by George Washington, among others, during Colonial days, his daughter said.
He later lived on the farm and, in recent years, in Columbia.
Services were Saturday.
Also surviving are a sister, Eileen Lankford of Baltimore; and four grandchildren. Marriages to the former Janet Lawrence, Patricia O'Brien, Barbara Howard and Zhen Zhen Wang ended in divorce.
