John Owens

John Travis Owens, age 79, went to the loving hands of The Lord on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, in Ocean Springs, MS.

He was born in 1942 in Booneville, Mississippi and was a life-long resident of the MS Gulf Coast.  John attended Wheeler High School and later developed a skill for carpentry.  He was first employed at Green Hut Construction, and he was an apprentice in the Carpenters Union.  He married the Love of his life, Mary Ruth "Judy" Hickman on August 16, 1963, and they proceeded to welcome their son and two daughters into the world.

John and Judy are most notably known for establishing their own recycling business in 1967, which later became known as Owens Scrap Metal, Incorporated. John was very industrious and hardworking all his life.  John had incredible work ethics and set an excellent example for the entire family and anyone who knew him.

In his free time, John enjoyed gardening, fishing, and working with his hands. In addition, woodworking, framing, and mechanics were some of the many interests he mastered over his lifetime.  When they were young, John and Judy loved dancing and building race cars for Judy to race.  As they aged their hobbies changed into growing and harvesting their backyard garden; building lamps, chairs, small tables and benches for their grandchildren; and antiquing at auctions and estate sales.  John was so full of joy and continuously found humor in life.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather that lived for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John Howard and Bertha Mae (Simmons) Owens, his sister Ophelia Owens Simmons, and his two brothers Milton Owens and Leland Owens.

John is survived by his beloved wife of over 58 years, Mary Hickman Owens; his son, John Steven Owens, Sr. (Karie); and his two daughters, Regina Owens Hickman (Larry), and Tina Owens Schauger (Cindy); his eleven grandchildren, Charlene Dronet (Drew), Cindy Martin (Wesley), Cord Sartin, John Steven Owens, Jr. (Haley), Gregory Schauger, Jr., James Travis Owens, Sr., Danielle Broussard (Keith), Dylan Sartin, Chanda Schauger, Megan Schauger, McConaughey Hickman; eighteen great grandchildren; and his siblings, Erline Smith, Evelyn Smith, Edith Pannell, Jimmy Owens, Timmy Owens, and a host of relatives and colleagues he met and befriended through the years.

A visitation for friends will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County.  Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery with Bradley Andrew Sanders, Mark Andrew Dronet, Jr., McConaughey Dalton Hickman, John Steven Owens, Jr., James Travis Owens, Sr., and Keith David Broussard, Jr. serving as pallbearers.

An online register can be viewed and signed, and memories, condolences and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com

The Riemann Family Funeral Home in West Jackson County is proudly serving the Owens Family.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalms 23