Exhibit 99.1



                      Owens & Minor's CFO Dies Unexpectedly

              Richmond,  Va....Owens & Minor (NYSE-OMI) today announced with
              great sadness the death of Ann Greer Rector, 41, senior vice
              president and chief financial officer.

              Mrs. Rector died unexpectedly on Wednesday from medical
              complications  following a recent illness.

              G. Gilmer Minor, III, chairman, president and chief executive
              officer, said: "Ann's death comes as a great shock to the Owens &
              Minor family.  She was a vibrant  teammate who contributed greatly
              to all aspects of our business. She was our friend,  and we grieve
              the passing of this gallant lady.

              The duties of the chief  financial  officer will be assumed on an
              interim basis by Richard F. Bozard, vice president, treasurer,
              who has served in this capacity for eight years.

              Owens & Minor, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Richmond,
              Va., is the nation's largest distributor of nationally branded
              medical and surgical supplies.  The company's distribution centers
              throughout the United States serve hospitals,  integrated
              healthcare systems and group purchasing organizations. In addition
              to its diverse product  offering,  Owens  &  Minor helps customers
              to  control healthcare  costs  and  improve   inventory management
              through innovative  services in supply chain management, logistics
              and technology. For copies of Owens & Minor's news releases,
              contact Company News On-Call at (800) 758-5804,  ext.  667125, for
              fax on demand, or via the World Wide Web at www.prnewswire.com.

              Contact: Hugh F. Gouldthorpe, Jr., Vice President - Quality and
              Communications, (804) 965-2922.