Ronald John Owen

Ron passed away peacefully Sunday, September 22, 2019 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Bay City and resided in Auburn most of his adult life. Ron was an active, long time member of St. Gabriel Parish in Auburn as well as an active member of St. Mary Parish of Mio. Ron graduated in 1965 from Visitation High School and from Ferris State College in 1967 as a Heavy Equipment and Diesel Repair Mechanic. Ron was a true patriot, supportive of his country and the military and was proud he served as a Navy Seabee in Vietnam. He also served as an Auburn City Commissioner for eight years. Ron worked at Diesel Truck Sales for over 35 years with a group of people he considered friends. In 1996 he started his own business, Auburn Diesel Clinic where he became known as the "Diesel Guy". Ron and the love of his life Betty enjoyed going to their cottage in Mio, visiting with their good friends, working in the yard, canoeing, taking golf cart rides and chopping wood for the winter fires. Ron also looked forward to the motorhome outings with his adventurous friends from the Valley Viewers Club. Although he had no children, he loved the many sweet dogs they had, the currents ones are O'Reilly and Cash.
Left behind to cherish his memories is his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Anderson) Owen, whom he married April 4, 1970. Ron will be greatly missed by his sister, Karol (Larry) Gorske of Linwood, his brothers, Alan (Jan) Owen of Bay City, and Craig Owen of Colorado, his brother-in-law Walter (Dianne) Anderson of Georgia and sister-in-law, Sandy (Jon) Ross of Connecticut. Also missing Ron will be his niece and nephews: Brian (Erin) Owen and daughters, David (Sara) Owen and children, Christie Owen (Jason) and daughters, Andy (Kate) Gorske and sons, Peter (Meghan) Gorske and children, Matthew (Melissa) Gorske and daughters, Godchildren, Chad (Karen) Kilbourn and children, Krista (Justin) and Owen. He was preceded in death by his father John E. Owen and mother Kathleen (Loranger) Owen.
Ron's family would like to thank those who were so supportive and assisted in his care during his struggle with cancer: Ginger and Doug Behmlander, Lori and Doug Putt, Kathy and Lee Kilbourn, Larry and Carol Lynn Van Norman, and so many other good friends; also the care givers, Jen Lincoln, Carrie Leos and from hospice, Kathy Kemp and nurse Cate Bierlein.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at St. Gabriel Parish-West Campus St. Anthony's (1492 W. Midland Rd. Auburn, MI 48611) at 10:00 a.m. The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Thomas E. Sutton followed by Military Honor's conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council and the U.S. Navy. The Rite of Committal will be conducted by Rev. Santiago M. Hoyumpa at Mentor Township Cemetery in Mio. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. to receive family and friends. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Ron will be taken to the church on Thursday, September 26, 2019 to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to Our Lady of the Woods Shrine Restoration, University of Michigan Cancer Center or the Donor's Favorite Charity. Online condolences can be shared at www.gephartfuneralhome.com