Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Bennett E Owens, 82, returned home to his loving Heavenly Father on July 5, 2024, in Mapleton, Utah. Ben was born on May 14, 1942, to Bernard E. and Bette Ann (Cork) Owens in Ely, Nevada.
Ben went to school in Delta, Utah, where he was voted most likely to succeed by his Senior class. He was active in football and wrestling. After graduating high school, he attended the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City, where he met Claudia Coleman. They were married from 1964 to 1985.
While attending school, he worked for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service during the summers. Later, after graduating from Utah State with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, he and Claudia moved to Prineville, Oregon. He later decided to return to school to secure teaching credentials. After graduating, he and Claudia moved to Star Valley, Wyoming. Here, he taught high school agriculture classes and coached wrestling. Later, they moved to Mapleton, Utah, to teach math and coach wrestling at Farrer Jr. High. He later joined the staff at Provo High School teaching Math. Later in life, he returned to school to become a respiratory therapist. For many years, he enjoyed caring for patients at several Utah hospitals.
In 1969, his precious daughter, Jennifer, was born. In 1973, a son, Brandon, his pride and joy, was born. Ben loved his daughter and son very much and was grateful for their faithful attendance to him as he aged.
Ben was married to Lana Byrd from 1990-1994 and was stepfather to eight stepchildren. He was married to Rosalie Vernon from 1995-2013 and was stepfather to three wonderful stepchildren: Blake, Craig, and Brooke. Finally, he was married and sealed to his high school sweetheart and love, Jeri Lee Hale Clark, from 2013-2016 and was stepfather to Jeri’s three daughters: Diana, Suzanne, and Linda Lee. Ben found joy in each of his marriages. He loved his stepchildren and step-grandchildren very much.
Ben loved his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ, serving as a temple worker for numerous years in the Manti and Payson Temples. He found joy in owning and riding horses to patrol Mt. Timpanogos while working for the Forest Service. That passion for horses followed him throughout his life. He was a true cowboy at heart and won many awards for raising and showing horses. Hobbies he loved sharing with family and friends included golfing, fishing, hunting, boating at Lake Powell, camping, and riding his horses and side by sides. Ben also had a green thumb as one of his many skills and hobbies. While Ben was still teaching, he opened a commercial greenhouse, “Owens’ Greenhouse”, in the backyard of his Mapleton home. He was known for growing a variety of hearty plants, his wisdom and expertise in creating successful gardens, and his good nature and pleasant temperament toward everyone he encountered.
During his convalescent years at the assisted living center, he made many friends and enjoyed the activities, especially being a Michael Jackson Thriller dancer for the Halloween programs. We are so grateful for the tender friendships and loving care of those who helped him through his final days.
Ben is remembered as a kind, fun, thoughtful, and loving man. He is also a humble disciple of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of His church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The world is a better place because of the life Ben led and the example he set. We love and miss him and look forward to when we will be with him again.
Ben is survived by his children: Jennifer (Mark) Elmont and Brandon (Angie) Owens; 12 grandchildren: Daren (Alyssa) Elmont, Lauren (Steve) Nelson, Jason (Allison) Elmont, Erin (P.J.) Phelps, Megan (Greg) Baker, Ryan (Payton) Elmont, Alli (Tyler) Sarkady, Kaitlyn Elmont, Kelsey Owens, Lexie Owens, Paisley Owens, Halle Owens; 10 great-grandchildren, with two additional great-grandchildren on the way, and many stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and great step-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 10, at 11:00 am, at Nickle Mortuary. A Viewing was held, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to service. Those unable to attend are invited to view the recorded video of the service . Burial was in the Oak City Cemetery.