David Ferrel Owens

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FERRON, UTAH-David Ferrel Owens, 74, passed on March 9, 2011. Dave was born Sept. 28, 1936 in Malad, Idaho to Robert W. Owens and Esther B. (Bradley) Owens. He married Sharon Marie Luce Aug. 11, 1962 in Las Vegas, Nev. Dave and Sharon moved to Pahrump, Nev. in 1966 and then to Ferron, Utah in 1969.
Dave Owens “Papa” – Public service and mentoring were the common themes through the 74 years of his life. Volunteering with Search and Rescue, helping neighbors, foster parenting, decades of service to the citizens of several different counties through his employment with law enforcement agencies and his service with the US Army during the Cuban missile crisis all combined to represent a lifelong commitment to his fellow man.
Graduating from Las Vegas High School in 1956 he had been a part of the band playing coronet and a football player. Right out of High School Dave began to show his community service ethic through his membership in community service clubs like the road runner car club that made a point of helping stranded motorists.
His employment over the years included working for Nevada Department of Wildlife, US Army MP at Fort Benning, Ga., Nye and Clark County Sheriff’s Office’s. From 1974-2000 he was a Deputy Sheriff for Emery County, Utah serving as Captain during most of those years. At his retirement in 2000, he had spent 36 years in law enforcement.
He spent many years working with cattle and horses in Utah and Nevada. With his father and brother he helped run Owens Ranch in Pahrump, Nev., where they managed up to 500 head of cattle and horses on more than 395,000 acres in the Wheeler Peak area. In 1969, they bought a ranch in Ferron, Utah where he spent the rest of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon M. Owens; brother, James R. (Shirley) Owens of Pahrump, Nev. Children: David F. (Stacy) Owens Jr. of Kanab, Utah; Nancy M (Todd) Koerner of Ferron, Utah; Kathryn E. (Eric) Howes of Ferron, Utah; William R. (Kristy) Owens of Herriman, Utah; Daniel J. Owens of Salt Lake City, Utah; Steven W. Owens of Ferron, Utah; 25 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Esther B. and Robert W. Owens; sister, Atha M. Young and son, SSgt Charles E. Owens.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday March 14, 2011 at Fausett Mortuary, 710 North Center Street, Castle Dale, Utah. There was a viewing from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. immediately preceding the services. Interment was in the Ferron City Cemetery, under the direction of Fausett Mortuary. Friends and family may sign the guestbook and share memories of Dave at www.fausettmortuary.com.