Richard Owens

Richard McKinley Owens was born April 21, 1953, in Georgetown, KY, to Edith (Montgomery) Owens and William McKinley Owens. After his father's death from cancer in 1966, he had a stepfather, Willis William Chester Sr.

At 16, Rich made his choice to follow Jesus. He and Barbara Pike married in 1970 and had three childrena�"Rick (1972), Tim (1974) and Becky (1976).

Initially Rich was a copy machine technician. Later he was a carpenter, remodeler and handyman in KY, AZ and MN. Rich was fascinated by everything from computers to international cultures to Bible history to inventions. He loved hearty conversations and considered everyone a friend. Rich was proud of his KY heritage and enjoyed his most recent trips to KY--in August to attend a Christian convention, and in November to visit all of his family and friends.

In 1999, Rich came to MN to work on a friend's home and met Lynette. They married in 2000. Rich dealt with kidney cancer (2010), lung cancer and brain cancer with grace and positivity. He was pleased that his illness brought him closer to family, friends and God. He was grateful for help from family, including in-laws Gordon and Lorraine Byers, ministers, hospice and friends.

Rich's purpose was to have a positive, grateful, humble, Christ-like spirit. While in hospice, he said he hoped his illness would help others dedicate or rededicate their lives to God.

He is survived by his wife, Lynette Byers Owens of Lakeville, MN; children Richard McKinley Owens Jr. (Linda Tygart), Timothy Owens (Amanda Podge) and Rebecca Underwood (Charlie Starr), all of KY; step-sons Austin de Boer and Colin de Boer, of MN; grandchildren Calli Rae, Erika, Kelsey and Ivy Owens, and Austin Underwood, all of KY; sister Evelyn Trimmer of KY; half-sisters Joanne (Marion) Blair, Tami (Kevin) Nelson and Teresa (Ron) Back, and half-brother Willis William (Anne) Chester Jr., all of KY. He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather and granddaughter Alyssa Owens.

Funeral Saturday, January 17, 2:00 P.M. at BRADSHAW, 4600 Greenhaven Drive at Highway 96 (one mile west of 35E), White Bear. Visitation 12:00-2:00 P.M. Interment in KY.