Mitchell Allan Owens was born January 8, 1956, in Rapid City, South Dakota, the second of five sons born to Jack and Phyllis Owens. He grew up and attended school in Philip, South Dakota, graduating from Philip High School in 1974. While growing up, Mitch was a member of the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Philip Tumbling team, and played saxophone in the school band. Mitch could also play the organ, but would only play it at home.
After graduation, Mitch joined the Army National Guard and learned to drive truck, and also became a pilot. He later worked in Law Enforcement in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and in Kaycee, Wyoming. Mitch then worked for Rocky Mountain Premix and became an Emergency Medical Technician while in Lander, Wyoming. Mitch then drove semi-truck for his mom and dad (Owens Trucking) for a few years, before he started delivering Rapid City Journal bundles to Eastern Wyoming-Western South Dakota area. He also hauled US Mail from Philip to Pierre.
Mitch then moved to Kansas where he drove truck for Wal-Mart. After almost nine years he left Wal-Mart due to health reasons. In 2012, he worked security and surveillance for Kansas Star Casino. His last employment was with Americorp Financial Empowerment Services Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation as a tax consultant for the handicapped.
Mitchell was a member of the Kansas Masonic Alpert Pike Lodge #303 and a member of the Midian Shrine Center in Wichita.
He leaves behind his son Nicholas and daughter Morgan of Derby, Kansas; his mother Phyllis of Rapid City; brothers Mark of Sioux Falls, and Todd and Tracy Owens of Rapid City; and many other relatives and friends.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his father Jack; brother Mathew; and son Eric.
Memorial services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach officiating.
Burial followed at the Belvidere Cemetery. There was a luncheon following the graveside services at the Belvidere Hall around noon.
Memorial donations may be made to the Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67219.
Service Details
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Friday, January 16, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Father Kevin Achbach
MUSIC
"Ave Maria"
"Sweet By and By"
"Wind Beneath My Wings"
"Amazing Grace"
PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Belvidere Cemetery
Belvidere, South Dakota
Guest Book
I am sorry to read of the death of Mitchell. His grandparents Owens lived next to my Grandma DeVries in Belvidere, It was always a happy day when Jack and Phyllis and boys would come to visit. We enjoyed them as little boys and appreciated Mitch's music. Our prayers are with you.
~ Barbara (DeVries) Schroeder
2156 Road S. Blue Hill, Nebraska (12/20/2014)
Phyllis and family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Mitch. We are keeping you in our prayers and know God is holding you in his arms
~ Sonny and Betty LaBeau
Philip (12/20/2014)
Very saddened to read of Mitch's passing. He was a diligent student and always had a friendly word and a smile. Our sympathies to all.
~ Nancy Ekstrum
Green Valley, AZ (12/20/2014)
I'm so sorry for your loss of Mitch. I, too, remember him as a very young boy. My Grandma Addison lived on the OTHER side of his grandparents Owens, so we also enjoyed Jack & Phyllis' family visits to Belvidere. May you have many "remember whens" and special memories and you visit w/ family and friends during this difficult time. And may God be especially close to you right now. In Christ, Beryl (Addison) Geer
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82716 (12/20/2014)
So sorry to hear of Mitch's passing.
~ sharon Patton-Kauffman
colorado springs (12/20/2014)
We lived next door to Owens' when we first moved to Philip. Mitch was about 3 years old and would come over to our house and walk right in. Mother made him go back and knock. He did it from inside the house and when we laughed he said, "You dummy guys". He was a cutie! Sorry for your loss.
~ Gayle Hunt Matz
Brookings SD (12/20/2014)
So sad to hear of Mitch's passing. We played sax in band together (he was lots better than I) and were in Boy Scouts together, even sharing a tent and campouts a few times. Too many good memories to count, I'll miss him.
~ Mark Nelson
Philip, SD (12/20/2014)
Phyllis and family. I am so sorry to hear about Mitch. Our families have been friends for many years and remember so well our times together as kids. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ RuthAnn Niehoff
Carson City, NV (12/20/2014)
It's been a long trail a windin' since the days of the mail routes out of Midland and having coffee every morning with Jack. Also, the same applies to the CB club Jack formed back in the 1960's. Even further back when a girl named Phyllis Carrico was in high school with me. Jack left us too soon as did his son. You have all been great people. Glenn & Lucy
~ Glenn & Lucy Freeman
Box 406, Kadoka, SD 57543 (12/20/2014)
Phyllis and family, Mitch was a great guy and will be missed by many. I enjoyed going to school with him and working with him at the Post Office. He has given us all some great memories. Thinking of you all.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City, SD (12/20/2014)