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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Francis "Frank"
Leslie Owens
February 14, 1937 – March 8, 2012
Obituary
Retired Air Force Colonel Francis (Frank) L. Owens, Jr. received his commission in the United States Air Force in 1960 through the ROTC Program at South Dakota State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Following a three year tour of duty in Japan, Frank Owens re-entered the civilian world until September 1964, when he voluntarily returned to active duty. He was assigned to Walker AFB, New Mexico until April 1967.
After obtaining a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, Frank Owens was assigned to Vandenberg AFB, where he spent the next two years.
After a brief stint away from Vandenberg AFB, Frank Owens returned in 1974, where he served in various capacities, including Director of Operations, SAMTO. In May of 1983 he went to Los Angeles AFS, where he retired May 10, 1984.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
He died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years Dianne Owens, daughter Kathleen Rippel, son-in-law Ray Rippel, grandchildren Kaipo A. Masicampo and Malia V. Masicampo, son Jim Owens, daughter-in-law Alicia Owens, grandchildren Joshua A. Owens, Skyler J. Owens and Chase Owens, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Vigil services will be 6 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2012 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13 at Old Mission Santa Inez in Solvang with Fr. Gerard Barron, OFM, Cap. officiating. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at Oak Hill Cemetery, 2560 Baseline Ave. in Ballard where Vandenberg Air Force Base military honors will be rendered. Visitation hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary.
There were a few things that Frank wanted to convey after his passing. "I shadow boxed with stage 4 colon cancer for four years. If you get it, don't worry. It's not always a battle." Also, "What the hell, send flowers."
Memorial contributions can be made in Frank's name to the following:
O'Gorman High School, 3201 S. Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 or to
Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive (P.O. Box 408), Solvang, CA 93464
Following a three year tour of duty in Japan, Frank Owens re-entered the civilian world until September 1964, when he voluntarily returned to active duty. He was assigned to Walker AFB, New Mexico until April 1967.
After obtaining a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, Frank Owens was assigned to Vandenberg AFB, where he spent the next two years.
After a brief stint away from Vandenberg AFB, Frank Owens returned in 1974, where he served in various capacities, including Director of Operations, SAMTO. In May of 1983 he went to Los Angeles AFS, where he retired May 10, 1984.
He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
He died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years Dianne Owens, daughter Kathleen Rippel, son-in-law Ray Rippel, grandchildren Kaipo A. Masicampo and Malia V. Masicampo, son Jim Owens, daughter-in-law Alicia Owens, grandchildren Joshua A. Owens, Skyler J. Owens and Chase Owens, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Vigil services will be 6 p.m. Monday, March 12, 2012 at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 13 at Old Mission Santa Inez in Solvang with Fr. Gerard Barron, OFM, Cap. officiating. Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 at Oak Hill Cemetery, 2560 Baseline Ave. in Ballard where Vandenberg Air Force Base military honors will be rendered. Visitation hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary.
There were a few things that Frank wanted to convey after his passing. "I shadow boxed with stage 4 colon cancer for four years. If you get it, don't worry. It's not always a battle." Also, "What the hell, send flowers."
Memorial contributions can be made in Frank's name to the following:
O'Gorman High School, 3201 S. Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 or to
Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Drive (P.O. Box 408), Solvang, CA 93464
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