John S. Owens

John S. Owens

John S. Owens arrived in this world on June 27, 1952, to Floyd and Alice Owens. He grew up on the Billings South Side, attending multiple schools until signing on with the Marine Corps on Sept. 16, 1969, at the age of 17. He served for six years, including an overseas deployment in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. He met the love of life, Linda Luther, on New Year’s Eve 1971. John married Linda on April 14, 1973, and settled down on Avenue B on the West End, where they brought three boys into the world: Michael, Robert and John.

John joined the Montana Army National Guard on Aug. 3, 1977, while also working for the City of Billings until 1988, when he took an active duty position in the Montana National Guard. He proudly served until his retirement, ranking Sergeant First Class, on Nov. 30, 2007, with combined 25 years active duty and 11 years in the reserves.

John loved his family and put them above anything else in life. They spent many camping trips in the Beartooth Mountains, hiking to Mystic Lake or out spotting wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Area. John had a true passion for the outdoors and enjoyed summer fishing trips, fall hunting days and working livestock with his family at the Luther Ranch.

Later in life, John found his next passion … cruising the islands of the Caribbean and Bahamas side by side with the love of his life. John and Linda cruised 27 times over the years. He loved the sounds and music of the islands and bonded with the words of Jimmy Buffet.

John left this world on Aug. 4, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. There is no doubt he can be found on a white sandy beach at Heavenly Margaritaville searching for his lost shaker of salt. John’s life was a great ride and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Johnson and Floyd Owens; brother Ernie Owens; and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Linda; brothers Dan (Judy), Troy (Kim), Scott; sister Tami; sons Michael (Sina), Robert (Holly), John (Emily); 11 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion, 1540 Broadwater, following his funeral. Dress attire is cruise casual.

If you wish, please make an easy online donation in John’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.