Richard Neil Owens

He was born on February 20, 1933 in Denver, Colorado. The family moved to Michigan when Richard was three and moved to Washington State in 1945 when he was 12. His father went to work for naval shipyards in Bremerton shortly before World War II ended.

He graduated from Lake Washington High School in 1951, where he met his wife, Katharine. They married in 1952. In 1983, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Martin’s College. He had a long career with the Washington State Army National Guard, where he worked full time and retired with the rank of Colonel.

His early military service was operating Nike Missile sites in Kent and Redmond during the Cold War. He attended the Air Force War College in Montgomery, Alabama in 1977-78. After Mount St. Helens erupted May 18, 1980; Colonel Owens was part of the team overseeing the disaster response. At the end of his career, he was the Officer in charge of all recruitment for the State of Washington.

He enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, boating, and bird hunting with his beloved dogs. As snowbirds, he and Katharine had many happy winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during their retirement. Richard loved his “job” as Golf Marshal which entitled him to play golf for free on 3 different courses in the Puerto Vallarta area. They loved their primary home on Anderson Island where they lived for 25 years and where Richard could golf as much as he wanted. For a few years he tended to his vegetable and berry garden. Feeding and watching hummingbirds, whether in Puerto Vallarta or on Anderson Island, was another pastime. He and Katharine took several cruise ship adventures.

Richard converted to Catholicism after marrying Katharine. They had strong faith in God and Jesus, and family. Over the years, they were active in their church communities, and made many lifelong friends through those activities. Richard did one of the readings every Sunday at their Church in Puerto Vallarta.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Nilva Owens, sister Shirlee Lee Miller, and Katharine “Dolly” his beloved wife of 70 years.

Richard is survived by his children: Kathleen Coleman (Bob), Janine Wylie (Kip), Debora Nilson (Barry), Mary Handley, Richard N. Owens, Jr. “Rex” “Tex”, Lisa Jones (John), David Owens. Grandchildren: Erin Moery, Jennifer Schumacher (Peter), Daniel Moery (Brandi), Julie Jones (David), Morgan Moery, Andrew Jones (Marissa), Jacob Sergi, Michael Jones, Zachary Jones (Catherine), Katrina Malia Owens. And 13 Great-grandchildren: Thomas Tastad, Bailey Friday, Benny Schumacher, Anna Schumacher, Kate Moery, Samuel Moery, Ozzie Jones, Malcolm Jones, Christopher Jones, Lucas Jones, Henry Jones, Theodore Jones, Jordan Calvin Owens. Great-grandchild number 14 is due soon.

The family would like to thank “A Caring Heart” Adult Family Home and Wesley Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days.

Memorial Celebrations of Richard’s life will take place at a future date.

Interment of his ashes at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, beside his wife, will happen at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Richard’s name to Wesley Hospice at https://wesleychoice.org/donate/

or

Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/