C.D. Owens

With deep love, gratitude and admiration, we honor the extraordinary life of C.D. Owens, Jr., who passed away peacefully at home in Paradise Valley on August 19, 2025 at the remarkable age of 102. A brilliant legal mind and a devoted family man, he leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, integrity, and compassion that will echo for generations. Born in Coalgate, Oklahoma in 1923, C.D. witnessed a century of change and progress, developing an early appreciation for fairness, justice, and the power of words. These values would define his life's work. He attended the University of Oklahoma prior to volunteering for service in the U.S. Army in 1943. Upon his return to the United States, he attended the University of Oklahoma School of Law, graduating summa cum laude in 1949, having served as the Editor of the Law Review. C.D. was admitted to the practice of law on March 15, 1949 and promptly secured a position with Sinclair Oil and Gas. He worked at Sinclair's Headquarters until 1966 when he resigned and relocated his family to Arizona. He took the Arizona Bar Exam and was admitted to practice on his future law partner's and granddaughter (Michelle J. Perkins) first birthday! The partnership was simply meant to be. From there he embarked on a career that spanned 68 years, almost seven decades, during which he became known not just for his mastery of the law and commanding court persona, but for his profound honor, integrity and empathy. C.D. was such a pillar of the Scottsdale business community that he was honored by the Mayor of Scottsdale and Friday, August 14, 2009 was declared "C.D. Owens Day"! Whether arguing an important case, mentoring young attorneys (like his granddaughter), or offering calm counsel to those in crisis, C.D. believed the law was more than rules-it was a tool to protect, heal, and uplift. His colleagues admired his winning track record, oratory skills and sharp intellect, while his clients never forgot his fatherly love, warmth, compassion and steadfast dedication to their cause. Beyond the courtroom, C.D. was a dedicated family man. He was a loving husband to his first wife Lois Owens, who passed too soon, and the second love of his life Beverly M. Owens to whom he was married until his passing. He was a devoted father to his children Cheryl D. Perkins, Carla D. Mitsis and Clarence D. Owens, III ("Kip" Owens) and his step-daughter Scottie Beattie. He was also a cherished grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather who delighted in telling stories, sharing wisdom, and making each person feel valued, loved and always protected by him. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lois Owens, his son Kip Owens and his grandson Kyle (Tonya) Owens. He is survived by his beloved wife Beverly M. Owens and his loving daughters Cheryl D. Perkins and Carla (Charles) Mitsis and his daughter-in-law Terry (John) Papinko (formerly Owens). He is also survived by his former law partner of 21 years and loving granddaughter Michelle J. Perkins (Steven O'Donnell), his loving granddaughters Adrienne (Derek) Gray, Nina (Nick) Capertina and Lauren Toepfer. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Kevin (Stacy) Owens, Amber (Markieth) Ivey, Chelsea Owens (Brad Kenning), Jacob Toepfer, Julian Gray, Lydia Gray, Alana Gray, Luca Capertina and Renee Gray. He is also survived by his great-great grandchildren Lorilyn Lare, Derek Dillard, Maleigha Ivey and Alora Ivey. He is also remembered by his few remaining friends (he did outlive most of them) along with former colleagues, and protégés who were touched by his generosity of spirit. In the courtroom and in life, C.D. stood for what was right. His voice, his laughter, and his unwavering sense of justice will be deeply missed, but his legacy will forever guide those fortunate enough to have known him. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone, but what is woven into the lives of others." "I had a hell of a run. Try to top it!" Though our hearts are heavy now, we take comfort in knowing that C.D. lived every one of his 102 years with purpose, grace, and love in abundance. His life, legacy and story will continue in the lives he shaped and the memories we will treasure forever. To honor his wishes, there will be no service or celebration of life.