Arthur Owens, Jr., 72, of Mitchell, passed away September 24, 2023, at his home after fighting a long-unwelcomed battle with cancer. At the time of his death, the love of his life Patricia, wife of 49 years, was by his side as always and he was surrounded by the love of his entire family. Cremation has taken place with no planned memorial service per Art’s wishes. The family will have a celebration of Art’s life on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at noon at the Mitchell Fairgrounds Meeting Room. Memorials may be sent in memory of Art to his wife and family at their home address. Online condolences can be made by visiting Art’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Art was born in Scottsbluff, NE to Arthur and Mary (Scott) Owens. Art spent his childhood in Scottsbluff, NE and Torrington, WY. He spent his teenage years tearing up the town with the Nash boys (Pat’s brothers). He was then drafted into the United States Army before returning to Torrington, WY and marrying the love of his life, Patricia Rae Nash, on December 28, 1973. From this lifetime love three daughters were born Lisa, Ranae and Michelle. Art had one son, Arthur, from a previous marriage.
Starting at the age of 16, Art worked most of his life as a water-well driller for companies such as Reizenstein Drilling, Midwest Farm Service, Sargent Irrigation and Nelson Wells, where he made many lifelong friends. His proudest achievement, besides being a father and a Papa, was being the owner/operator of his own business, Owens Drilling and Pump Service. One of his work talents was water-witching, and he was called upon many times over the years and was successful at finding the best place to drill for water. Art also spent time in 2006 working in Africa teaching locals to drill for water.
Art had many hobbies, such as camping, enjoyment of old cars, collecting many things, competing in demolition derbies and stock car racing. He enjoyed welding and making many items with this trade. He loved to take trips with Pat and their family, especially going to Deadwood on a whim. Art was a guy who was excited by the small things in life. He was the type of person who would help anyone in need, such as the many times he rescued his family when vehicles broke down, aka “Owens Towing”.
Survivors include: wife Patricia (Nash) Owens; daughters Lisa Orozco of Cocoa, FL, Ranae (Virgil) Stull of Torrington, WY, Michelle Owens (Mike Gibson) of Morrill, NE; son Arthur Owens III of Amarillo, TX; grand-children Alicia Orozco, Marissa Requejo, Bret (Brooke) Orozco, Matthew (Ilizca) Orozco, Abby Sinner (Michael Boxburger), Patrick Owens, Colton Stull, Chauncy Stull and Anthony Wells Sr.; great grand-children Mallia and Marcello Martinez, Joseph Ripp, Isley Sinner, Boston Orozco and Anthony Wells Jr.; sister Darlene (Cliff) Karr; brothers-in-law Vernon Nash Jr., Richard (Mary) Nash, Gary (Laura Lee) Nash, Terry Nash Sr., Darrel Woods; sisters-in-law Carol McIntosh, Linda (Jerold) Tinnell, Jeannie Hugh, and close friend Manuel Rocha.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Vernon Sr. and Dorothy (Carter) Nash; brother Roy Owens; sisters Estaleen Peterson, Colleen Harwood; brother-in-law Mike Harwood; sister-in-law Elena Nash; half brothers and sisters; daughter-in-law Marilyn Robison Owens; nephew David Woods; many aunts, uncles and friends Larry Stubby and Gaylon Kelly.