John Owens

John Owens, age 86, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away at the VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, on June 17, 2006. Born on June 5, 1920, in Dixon, Kentucky, to William Thomas and Mary Ellen Owens. He married Betty Joyce Purkey, his eternal companion on September 21, 1946. He served in the United States Air Force from 1942 to 1949, and retired from Hill Air Force Base in 1976 with 34 years of service. Dad was devoted to his family, always there with love and support. We will always remember his smile, laughter, honest, and gentle spirit. His teaching of hard work, honor, integrity, and respect provide us the ever lasting gift of having your presence in our lives. We love you, Dad. Survived by daughters Vicky Dev Nielson and Jodie Jerry Black; Grandchildren: Ryan Jaimi Nielson, Tyler Nielson, Jennifer Nielson, T.J. Talia Riley, and great-grandchild, Kaeden John Riley; four sisters, Virgie, Goldie, Emma and Della; and one brother, Thomas. Preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, Roscoe and one sister, Mary. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2006, at 12 noon at the Bountiful City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 N. Main St., from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. prior to the graveside service. Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to the staff at the Legacy House of Bountiful for the love and tender care they provided to Dad over the last few years. A special thanks to the all the physicians, nurses, and staff at the VA Medical Center for their treatment, care, compassion, and support to our father and family.