John R. Owens
February 21, 2015
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Service Details
John R. Owens passed away on February 21, 2015 after a brief courageous battle against cancer. He was born on July 9, 1939 in Beacon, Iowa to the late Everett and Ila (Burbank) Owens. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1957, Truman State University in 1961, and attended the University of Iowa’s Graduate School of Social Work.
John was dedicated to serving others and after graduation began a 42 year career with the Iowa Department of Human Services. In 1964 he was appointed as Iowa’s youngest ever county director (Henry County) and in 1969 was promoted to Ottumwa District Administrator. Additionally he was a proud Marine and served several terms as President of the Ottumwa Midwest Little League. He remained a champion of all things Ottumwa his entire life and was proud of his West End heritage. He cherished his close friends, playing billiards, watching his childhood B-Western heroes, and spending time outdoors.
While doing his graduate work in Linn County he met social worker Marilyn McKinley, and they married on December 19, 1964. Born to this union were three sons: Steve, Doug, and Chris. Family was very important to John and he was actively involved in the lives of his sons and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn; and children, Steve (Liz) and Doug (Denneal) of West Des Moines and Chris (Danielle) of Groveland, IL; grandchildren, Natalie and Carter of Groveland and Landon and Luke of West Des Moines, and many extended family and close friends.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Wednesday, February 25 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway with services to follow at 1:00 pm Thursday, February 26 at Hamilton’s. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Frank Copple
03/02/2015
John, it is very difficult to write a condolence to you, my friend, as you have always been there for almost 70 years as a friend, confidant, listener and a source for all things Ottumwa or Iowa or just about any topic. I will really miss our contact and comradeship through all these years. The world just got to be an emptier place for me. Please keep looking out for me as you have for these many years. RIP, my friend. There are few in this world like you.
Jim Sorge
02/27/2015
Doug my families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Remember all the great times shared with your father and know that he is now in great hands.
Traci Van Prooyen
02/26/2015
I am so very sorry for your loss! Words can't express my sympathies! Thinking of you all!
Marie Carter-Paulos
02/25/2015
Marilyn, Steve, Doug, Chris and families: So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was my boss @ DHS in Ottumwa District for many years. I learned much from working with him and considered him a friend. Last got to visit with him when he attended the West End reunions. I'm sure he was a great grandpa also. My heart goes out to you all. Know that we remember him and care. May God give you comfort as you go through this time. Much love to you all!
Joanne Terrell
02/25/2015
Marilyn. My sincere condolences to you and your family I always remember our times in Ottumwa. He was a great person to work for and think of you often. I hope he did not suffer too long
Mary Quance
02/25/2015
Steve, Liz and the Owens family, sending love and prayers your way
in honor of your Dad. My thoughts are with you....may you have peace.
Sincerely, Mary Quance
Brenda Reber
02/25/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you the Owens family was a big part of my life growing up and the Slater family shares your sorrow.
Lavonne McCoy
02/24/2015
So sorry for your loss. He was a nice man and boss. I worked in Wapello Co. office of DHS.
ED & JEANNETTE GENOCHIO
02/24/2015
JOHN WAS A GREAT MAN & FRIEND, WHO WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. CONDOLENCES TO MARILYN AND FAMILY. SO SORRY.
Larry Fairchild Family
02/24/2015
Our condolences to Marilyn and the family. Enjoyed your friendship when in Ottumwa and Larry has many good memories with John from MidWest Little League. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen B. Lanz Brooks
02/24/2015
My heart goes out to you, John's family and friends upon occasion of this dear soul's passing. I was in John's Kindergarten class and all the way through high school. He was a gem, a real class act, a true and faithful friend to many. May the peace that passes understand be yours at this time of mourning and sorrow. John would certainly want that for each and every one of us.
Dale Schmitz
02/24/2015
Our condolences to you Marilyn and to you his children. I enjoyed working with John for many years when I was an Administrator and lived in Mason City, and John lived in Ottumwa; and then I worked with him when we moved to Des Moines. I always appreciated him as a friend. (We would attend the wake and service on Wednesday and Thursday except that we are scheduled to fly out of Des Moines to overseas tomorrow at 6 a.m.)
Jim Cruchelow, Sr.
02/24/2015
Condolences to the family. John and I were close working friends in Ottumwa for a number of years. He will be missed very much.
Lisa Collins
02/24/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn the boys and their families. We have many fond memories of John and the entire Owens family from our years at Midwest Little League. - Gary and Lisa Collins
Craig and Jenny Umphfleet
02/24/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and her family. John was one of the first neighbors we met, and was always there for advice, wisdom and great conversation. Blessed to have had him in our lives. We will miss him very much. - Craig & Jenny Umphfleet