Steven Owens

1934 - 2025

KENNEWICK, WASH. - Steven (Steve) Vern Owens, 91, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Steve was born on July 9, 1934, in the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., to parents Steven Robert Owens and Eraina (Irene Marie (Wuehler) Owens of Amherst, Neb. Steve graduated from Amherst High School in 1951, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney in 1957, and completed his education with a Master of Education Degree from Colorado State University in 1970.

Steve found the love of his life during his sophomore year, Patricia (Pat) Jay, while attending college. He liked to say it's what made him "learn to like school" after thinking maybe it wasn't for him. They were wed in Ainsworth, Neb., on August 7, 1955, and their love story continued from that day on. After they married, they welcomed their son, Steven Jay Owens, in 1957, and a year later, they welcomed their daughter, Cynthia Lee Owens (Goodman). In 1960, Steve and Pat moved to Arvada, Colo., for Steve to pursue a teaching career with the Jefferson County School District. He took an early retirement after 30 years of teaching in1990. Following a family visit to Eastern Washington, Steve and Pat moved to Kennewick, Wash., in 1991 so that Steve could resume his teaching career.

While working as a teacher, Steve often took many second jobs to help support his family and community. He was a coach and referee for Little League, middle school, and high school sports. Steve participated in many sports and developed a great love for athletics. Steve's favorite teams were in Washington and Colorado; the Denver Broncos being his absolute favorite. Steve would always love to "talk sports" with his family/friends, capturing game highlights or upcoming schedules. Later in life, he developed a love for golf and could also be seen on the course with his Denver Broncos bag/umbrella/towel, and attire. He achieved a hole-in-one in 2010, on hole 17, at Columbia Point Golf Course. Steve was a fantastic woodworker; he helped construct many homes throughout Boulder, Arvada, and Lyons, and created many timeless woodworking pieces for his family to enjoy.

Steve also had an appreciation and love for automobiles, which continued with his purchase of boats, trailers, and other fun toys. One of his favorite stories was how he financed his first car with a handshake. Later in life, he developed an appreciation and love for Ford Mustangs, always buying them in various shades of red.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Steve Owens; his mother, Irene Owens; his wife, Pat Owens; his daughter-in-law, Debby Owens; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in Nebraska.

Survivors include his son, Steven Jay Owens of Richland, Wash., along with his daughters, Kendra McCullough, her husband, Robert and son, Liam of West Richland, Wash. and Jenna Owens, her significant other, Russell Lodge of Kennewick, Wash.; daughter, Cyndi Goodman, her husband, Gary of Denver, Colo., along with their children, Shain Goodman of Bozeman, Mont., Chelsea Meraz, her husband, Gabriel their children, Isabel and Aziel of Brighton, Colo., and Ryan Goodman, his wife, Mandy, their children, Violet and Benjamin of Arvada, Colo.

Steve devoted his life to all his family with endless love, care, and support. While Steve's family greatly grieves his loss, we choose to remember him in a way that honors the infinite love he poured into all of us with a "stiff upper lip" and a love with no limits.