John Douglas Owen passed peacefully to the other side on July 8, 2018, at the home of his daughter Jo.
Doug was born on Nov. 9, 1931, in Los Angeles to Erle and Florence Owen. He grew up in Los Angeles and joined the Navy in 1951 to serve his country in the Korean War.
He met his beloved wife Clare while still in the Navy and they married on Apr. 21, 1956. They had three children – Dennis, Joyce and Joanna.
Doug was an artist at heart and majored in art in college but acquired a teaching degree as well. He taught kindergarten at Mariposa Elementary for 22 years before retiring in 1992.
“Mr. Owen” was loved and remembered by many of his students as he loved to share his passion for science and nature in unique and fun ways. He was also a skilled artist in many mediums and brought that love of art to his classroom.
He enjoyed anything outdoors – backpacking, camping, fishing, gardening, and raising farm animals. He was also well known as “The Snake Man”- conducting snake education seminars for kids and relocating unwanted snakes.
His free spirit and big smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Doug was preceded in death by his wife Clare and brother Bob. He is survived by his three children, Dennis Owen, Joyce Owen DeWeese and Jo Thome; grandchildren Boston Thome and Jeremy Owen; and his big brother George Owen.
Please join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at the home of Ken and Colly Thome at 41090 Road 600 in Ahwahnee from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Military Honors ceremony will take place at noon.
To honor his free spirit, please wear tie-dye or something colorful or inspired by nature. There will also be a tie-dye station to create your own masterpiece to take with you as a memento. T-shirts will be provided or bring your own item if you wish.
Former students or parents of students are encouraged to attend as we want to hear “Mr. Owen” stories.
