Dee Owen

Dee W. Owen

Longtime San Mateo Resident

1922 - 2010

Passed away peacefully at his home with this loving family by his side on December 14, 2010. Dee was 88 years old. Born in Rigby, Idaho on July 22, 1922 to Daniel and Jessie Owen. In 1942, Dee graduated from Rigby High School and attended college for a short while before enlisting in the United States Army during 1943. He served in the Philippines and New Guinea. After the war, he moved to Millbrae where his brother Earl lived. In 1946, Dee began working for the Pacific Telephone Company where he worked his way up to supervisor before retiring in 1983. On June 14, 1948, Dee wed the love of his life, Verna Lang. Dee and Verna made San Mateo their home, where they eventually raised their four children; John, Sharon, Kenneth and Stacy. Dee was an avid fan of both the Giants and the 49ers, a love he was able to share with all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was happy that he lived long enough to see the Giants win the World Series.

With his wife Verna, Dee made the Guiness book of World Records. For over 20 years, the Owens' were Clodhopper square dancers. Their square had the largest number of square dancers under one caller. It was a grand feat that the Owens' took great pride in. Dee and Verna enjoyed their retirement years traveling in their motor home with the Tea Timers, and trips to Alaska and Hawaii.

Dee is survived by his wife of 62 years, Verna Owen of the Magnolia of Millbrae and their four children; John Jones of Ukiah; Sharon Banfe of Greely, Colorado, Kenneth Owen of Vancouver, Washington, and Stacy Owen of San Mateo. He is also survived by five grandchildren; Jennifer Fraser, Christina Sandoval, Shayna Banfe, Mike Owen and Luke Owen. Great-grandchildren include; Evan Fraser, Austin Owen, Hailey Owen, Audre Banfe-Sandoval and Jocelyn Sandoval. His nephew, Dan Owen lives in SanMateo.

Dee was preceded in death by his siblings; Vincent Owen, Don Owen, Ray Owen, Earl Owen and His sister Verla Ellis.

Services will be held at the Lifemark Center at Skylawn Memorial Park 10600 Skyline Blvd, San Mateo, California on Tuesday, December 21, 2010. The Owen family welcomes Dee's family and friends to pay their respects beginning at 10 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with a graveside service to follow.