John Heman Owen Jr., loving husband, son and eldest of eight children, passed away Aug. 2, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
John “Butch” Owen was born Sept. 9, 1952, to John and Bessie Owen in Charleston, S.C. Spending much of his youth in South Carolina, he participated in the Sea Cadets. At age 13, the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., and then on to Aurora, Colo., where he attended Hinkley High School.
Ever the adventurer and a bit of a rebel, Butch moved around a lot during his young adulthood. Butch and a friend spent time traveling to New York, in none other than an ice cream truck, to attend Woodstock 1969. However, the truck broke down and they never made it there. He also ventured on a hitchhiking trip to Seattle, Wash.
Butch was talented and resourceful and was involved in various professions during his adult life. He spent time working in construction and for the last 10 years working as a contract pumper in the local oil patch.
Butch’s true passion was making music! Introduced to the guitar by his younger brother Fred, Butch seemed to have a natural ability to learn and play the instrument by ear. He was a multi-talented musician: playing guitar, bass guitar and harmonica.
He spent much of his life involved with several musical groups including Night Machine, Country Highway, Hammerhead, Crimzon Rose, Faith Wide Open, Ronnie and the Rockets, the Rockits and always The Owen Family Band. In addition, just like his dad and brothers, Butch was very good at throwing horseshoes.
Butch was preceded in death by his father, John H. Owen Sr. He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Lisa (VanDruff) Owen of Zurich; his mother Bessie Owen of Hill City; seven siblings: Fred of Hill City, Judy Bossard and husband Alan of Fredrick, Colo., Belinda Griffin of Hill City, Jessica Schlingloff and husband Steve of Hill City, James and wife Shari of Pensacola, Fla., Jeff and fiancée Mary of Garden Grove, Calif., and Jeramy of Hill City; former wives: Marilyn and Vicky; and Vicky’s children: Joey Friars, Rick Friars and Wendy (Friars) Burkholder; and many, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Any flowers or donations may be sent to: Lisa Owen, c/o Jeramy Owen, 202 W. McFarland, Hill City, KS 67642.