Richard Lloyd Owen

Richard Lloyd Owen passed away peacefully early Friday morning; September 23, 2016 in his home at the age of 93.Dick was born October 9, 1922 in Roosevelt, Utah to Harry Parker Owen and Susan Reva Richins. His early years were divided between the Roosevelt Elementary and the Elementary School System in Las Vegas, Nevada. His Father was a home builder and the carpentry trade had come to a standstill in Roosevelt due to the depression making travel to other areas for work a necessity. Eventually, the family was able to move back to Roosevelt permanently to be with relatives and friends. Dick later graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1940. Upon graduation from High School, Dick attended Carbon College and graduated with an Associate’s of Science Degree in 1942. In the fall of 1942, He attended Brigham Young University through the spring of 1943. To fulfill a commitment to the Duchesne County Draft Board, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp at the age of 21 and was trained as a pilot. He first reported to Amarillo, Texas for basic training and obtained further education and pilot training at Oklahoma A&M, San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center, Coleman Flying School, Coleman Texas, Majors Field in Greenville, Texas, Yuma Air Force Base, and Minter Field in Bakersfield California. He was trained on the PT-19A, BT-13A, AT-10, B-17G, B-17, B-25, B-25D, AT-7C, AT-6, and AT-11 aircraft. Upon finishing flight school, World War II came to an end and it was not possible for him to serve a combat tour. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of Lieutenant. After fulfilling his military duties he returned back to Brigham Young University, then transferred to Utah State Agricultural College, and later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Fish and Game Management from Oregon State College In 1949. Dick married his sweetheart LuAnn on September 8, 1960 and recently celebrated their 56th anniversary. They were later sealed together with their children in the Salt Lake Temple on February 10, 1978. Dick had a successful career in the welding supply business. Both he and his brother Max founded Welders Supply Company in 1958 located in Salt Lake City, Utah after their beginnings as the Owen Company in the Uintah basin. He served as the Chairman of the American Welding Society from 1968-69. Richard was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in many positions including executive secretary, High Priest Group Leader, assistant Stake Clerk, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric, and many other positions. Dick was active in scouting during his youth and as a scout leader during the time his sons went through the Scouting program. He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter and used those skills to construct winning Pinewood Derby cars for his sons. He loved the temple and served 17 years as a veil worker in the Jordan River Temple. His greatest work was with his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. Dick had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through his dedicated service, he developed a strong testimony of the Savior and of the Atonement. Dick enjoyed all kinds of sports including basketball, baseball, track, golf, tennis, hunting, and fishing. He played basketball for the Rough Riders of Roosevelt High during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. During his early college years, he played junior varsity basketball for Carbon College and varsity basketball for Brigham Young University. Dick was especially fond of golf which ultimately became his passion; he eventually honed his skill to be able to play “scratch” golf. He was a charter member of the Willow Creek Country Club serving as one of the Directors from 1973-1974 and as Vice President in 1975. Dick loved the outdoors especially camping with his family. One of his favorite camping spots was in Big Park in the Uintah Mountains above Roosevelt, Utah where he grew up as a boy. He was an avid fisherman and fly tyer and passed this love onto his sons. He is survived by his wife LuAnn, his two sons Jeffrey and Kevin, and five grandchildren, Carlie, Kauner, Mitch, Davis, and Micaela. He is preceded in death by Susan Reva (mother), Harry Parker (father), and Francis Max (brother). The funeral services will be held Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00 am with a viewing beforehand from 10:00-10:45 am at the Little Cottonwood 1st Ward on 6350 South Rodeo Lane in Murray, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Wasatch Lawn. The family would like to thank the many family members and friends who have supported and loved him throughout the years. He will truly be missed.