John Edward Owens

"Loving Father, Grandfather & Great-Grandfather" John Edward Owens, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, peacefully returned to his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. John was born May 8, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of John Edward Owens and Estella Leone Kelly Kincaid. Married Verna Higham, later divorced. Married Joyce Ann Mackay October 24, 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah; solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1951. They raised their seven children in the Salt Lake Valley. John worked at Geneva Steel as a young man and later at the D&RG Railroad. For 34 years he worked for Kennecott Copper Mine as an engineer in the Power House. During that time he never missed a day of work. Joyce needed a steady and dependable presence in her life and she found that in John. His personal dedication to temple work was unequaled. After his retirement, he worked each Tuesday and Wednesday performing all ordinances of the temple. His love for the temple was so great, he even became a hired gardener at the Salt Lake Temple, and was the head planter. As a young man he taught swimming at Wasatch Springs. He was a dedicated body builder and achieved various awards. After retirement he became an avid walker and walked great distances, always feeding the ducks. Many grandchildren have memories of roller skating with Grandpa at the roller rink. Survived by children: Gilbert Bringhurst, Jo-Ann (David) Naylor, of Maryland; Kelly (Claudia) Owens, of St, George; Nancy Ann (David) Blonquist; Sandy (Randy) Hansen; John Roach, of Tooele; daughter-in-law, Linda Bringhurst; 33 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Benjamin F. and Gilbert R. Wilburn; sisters, Dorothy Leona Merkey, Cecilia E. Owens, Dorothy Anna Owens; son, Terrell J. Bringhurst; grandsons, Matthew A. and Shawn D. Naylor. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Horizon Medical and Hospice for the kind and caring service they rendered to our Father. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 1, 12:00 noon at the LDS Stake Center, 1265 West, Atherton Dr (4375 So.). Viewings will be held Friday, February 28, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 So. Redwood Rd. and Saturday at the church, 11-11:45 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens. Place of Birth:Salt Lake City, UtahPlace of Death:Taylorsville, UtahHobbies:Gardening Occupation:Smelter at Kennecott Copper Mine