Media playback is not supported on this device
Ards midfielder Gareth Tommons and Crues attacker David Cushley were sent-off before Owens headed in from a Paul Heatley cross to clinch victory.
Ballymena United fought back from two down to draw 2-2 with Dungannon Swifts while Portadown beat Carrick 4-0.
Jamie McGonigle hit a double in Coleraine's 3-0 win at Ballinamallard.
Relive the Premiership action on our text commentary
Ian Parkhill put the Bannsiders ahead seconds into the second half at Ferney Park before McGonigle sealed a win which takes Coleraine up three places to sixth.
Ards had the chance to replace Crusaders as leaders but Stephen Baxter's side showed the stuff of champions to take all three points at the Bangor Fuels Arena.
Media playback is not supported on this device
Tommons was first to go on 50 minutes followed by Cushley 20 minutes later, both straight reds for poor tackles.
"Ards made it tough for us and you have to give them credit," said Crusaders matchwinner Owens.
"I think they will do well this season. Our performances have not been great but we dug in and got the result.
"It was a great ball in by Paul Heatley and I got on the end of it."
Andrew Mitchell put the in-form Swifts in control against Ballymena, scoring twice in four minutes at Stangmore Park.
Conor McCloskey reduced the deficit with a diving header before Cathair Friel's second-half equaliser.
It was a debut to remember for Portadown midfielder Alan Byrne, with the former Shelbourne and Drogheda player netting in an impressive display from Shamrock Park hosts.
Aaron Haire was injured in scoring Portadown's third goal and he required lengthy treatment for a head injury before being stretched off.
Jordan Owens struck in added time to give champions Crusaders a 1-0 away win over Ards and stretch their lead at the top of the Premiership to four points.