John C. Owens

John C. Owens, a farmer from Stockville, Nebraska, passed away on April 26th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old. 

John was born on May 24th, 1942 at his childhood home southeast of Stockville to parents Richard and Willa Marie (Arent) Owens. He attended elementary school in Stockville and completed his later years of education in Curtis. John went on to graduate from the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis where he gained a wealth of knowledge about agriculture that would become a meaningful part of his life's work. 

On May 18th, 1962, John married the love of his life, Bernita Hinton in McCook, Nebraska. Together they welcomed four children into their lives: Janelle, Kevin, Rocky, and Marci. His devotion to his family was unending and he loved nothing more than spending quality time with them.

John was an accomplished farmer who took great pride in working the land. He raised cattle for many years which added to providing for his family. He also found time to make a positive impact within his community serving on numerous committees over the years including; serving for twelve years on the Maywood Public School Board and twenty-four years as a member of the Frontier County Fair board where he helped ensure the success of the popular event year after year. He was also currently active as a member of the Stockville Village Board of Trustees.

His love for sports began early in life; he played softball and bowled throughout much of his adulthood and had a passion for horseshoes which he often played with friends and family members. John found joy in sharing this enthusiasm for sports with others by organizing and facilitating annual catfish tournaments locally for over thirty years.

Other pastimes John enjoyed included square dancing. He also impressively finished second in a talent show during a senior center fundraiser event called "Dancing With The Stars". These hobbies and interests provided John with some of his fondest memories and the good-natured competition he shared with those around him highlighted his fun-loving personality.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Bernita, their children Janelle (Dean) Weems, Centennial, CO; Kevin (Stacie) Owens, Curtis, NE; Rocky Owens, Curtis, NE and Marci (Jay) Pike, also of Curtis; along with ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who will forever cherish the memories they have made together. 

John was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Willa (Arent) Owens as well as siblings Lyle Owens, Patsie (Owens) Wood, Harold Owens and Shirley Owens, a niece, Bonnie Owens, along with nephew, Richard Gardner, his grandparents Thomas and Cora (Gragg) Owens alongside Fred and Elizabeth (Podewitz) Arent. Though he has left this world John's spirit lives on through the legacy he created within his community, family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, Nebraska; Monday, May 1, 2023, 4:00 - 7:00 pm with the family present from 4:0-6:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at Stockville Fairgrounds, May 2, 2023 at 10:30 am.  

Interment will follow in the Arbor Cemetery, Stockville, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Frontier County Fair Board or the Village of Stockville.