Theodore D. Owens |
| Posted 2021-04-19 by mhenderson |
| Published in Yuma Sun on Apr. 18, 2021 - Yuma, Arizona >> Theodore "Ted" D. Owens << (USMC Retired) >> April 10, 1943 April 12, 2021 << Ted Owens, 78, passed away on April 12, 2021. Ted retired from the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1985. He proudly served two tours in Vietnam piloting UH-1 Huey Helicopters in one tour and F-4 Phantom Jets in his second tour. Ted was born April 10, 1943 in Cincinnati, OH and grew up in Stamford, CT. He earned his bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford, OH where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity and the ROTC. He also later received a master's degree from Pepperdine University. After graduating from Miami, Ted was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and stationed at Quantico, VA where he met and married his wife, Brenda. They were married on April 9th, 1966 and celebrated 55 years of marriage this month. Ted and family moved to Yuma permanently in 1974 and became active within the community. Ted was a devoted member of Caballeros de Yuma for 43 years and served in numerous positions, to include long time Historian, various committees, and El Presidente in 1993-1994. He was also awarded Caballeros Del Ao in 1983. His I love me room at home is proudly decorated 50% USMC and 50% Caballeros memorabilia. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Ted flew for Sky West Airlines and flew privately for various companies including Tanimura & Antle and the Yuma Daily Sun. After retiring from flying, he became a substitute teacher at Kofa High School in the early to mid-1990's and was the proud coach of the boys golf team. He moved into a full-time role as the Vocational Teacher at Vista High School from 1998 until his second retirement in 2008. Upon his second retirement Ted became even more involved in the community by volunteering at the Yuma International Airport, the Yuma Community Food Bank, and Saint Paul's Food Bank. Ted always made time for his family and friends. He was an ardent golfer and was a member of the Yuma Golf and Country Club for over 42 years. Besides golfing, he was quite popular on the dance floor at the family Disco and most recently as the BINGO caller. Ted is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Dawn Atherton (Junior); son, Tod Owens (Ayn); and three grandchildren Ashley Atherton, CJ Atherton & Kate Owens, who all knew him as Grumpy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Sudie Owens; sister, Della Ruth Blanchard; and nephew, Brad Blanchard. Those that knew Ted, will remember his amazing pride in being an American, as he dressed as a decked out 6' 4 Uncle Sam as often as he could. He enjoyed themed parties, especially Halloween, and had a musical tie for almost every holiday. You would see him not only dressed with spirit, but always with a Diet Pepsi in hand. Services will be held Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church 1550 S 14th Avenue, Yuma, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Pauls Food Bank or The Yuma Community Food Bank. Visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/yuma-az/theodore- owens-10152003 for online condolences. Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun |
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