Richard "Red" Owens
November 30, 2012
Rich "Red" Owens, 78, passed away Friday, November 30, 2012, at his home in Runnells. He was born February 25, 1934, in Des Moines to Donovan and Mary Catherine Owens.
Red was a lifelong resident of the Runnells area. He graduated from East High School in 1952 and attended Iowa State University and Drake University, receiving both his undergraduate and Masters Degrees in counseling. Red had a passion for coaching wrestling and started his career as head coach at Greenfield High School and then spent four years as assistant coach at Lincoln High School. In 1964, he started the wrestling program at Southeast Polk High School and developed it into the successful program it is today. Red was named Coach of the Year in 1983. During his career, he was inducted into the Southeast Polk, East High, Iowa Wrestling Coaches and National Wrestling Coaches Halls of Fame. He retired from coaching in 1993 and from his education career in 1994. In addition, he was a longtime roofer, owning and operating Owens and Sons Roofing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, lifting weights, horseback riding and was an avid reader.
Rich is survived by his sons, Jason (Mary), Patrick (Peggy); five grandchildren, Elise, Ethan, Eli, Cutler and Carson; sister, Margaret. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 5, 2012, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street, Altoona. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rich Owens Memorial Scholarship Fund at Keystone Bank 6871 NE 12th Ave., Pleasant Hill, in loving memory of Red.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Denise White Thompson
12/06/2012
I'm so very sorry for your loss. He was never Mr. Owens, but always Coach, whether he was your coach or not. He never changed, he never aged, he was a constant you could depend on, even when you or he didn't walk the halls of SEP anymore. Heaven has gained a brilliant star.
SHelli (Flanagan) and Chad Bridges
12/05/2012
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember the many times I got to speak with Coach. He will be greatly missed by so many. But what wonderful memories we have to share! Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Praying for a time of peace for you all.
Erin McClimon
12/05/2012
I'm very sorry for your loss. Coach Owens was my counselor throughout high school. I have fond memories sitting in his office talking about wrestling and his passion for the sport. During this difficult time, I hope it helps to know that he made a difference in the lives of many. He truly earned the name "Coach."
Debbie James Umdenstock
12/04/2012
So sorry for your loss. As a teenager I remember passing Mr. Owens in the halls knowing what a great coach he was. As a adult "Red" became one of my favorite customers at Ginos.
Dave Johnston
12/04/2012
Me condolences to the all the family members. I enjoyed working with Rich during my 23 years at SEP. I always thought he would be 90 years old and still roofing houses.
Gordon & Peg Atzen
12/04/2012
It is with great sadness that we received the word of Red's death.
Peg's mother, Marguerite Newell, spoke so highly of Red's early teaching & his personality. We were privileged to know him during our time at SEP and as we watched you boys grow. He was so proud of you. We visited with him a couple of times in this past year and he continued his outgoing persona.
Know you will have great stories to hand down to your children. He was the type that would never had wanted lingering illness and he left the world in an environ he so loved.
M. Jacobs
12/03/2012
Gone from our sight, but never our memories. Gone from our touch, but never our hearts.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
He will be forever remembered on Find A Grave Memorials
101576145
Jean (Mrs. Kermit) Tannatt
12/03/2012
Oh, how I hated to hear of Rich's death! He was always one of Kerm's favorites who worked so hard for SEPolk. He also roofed our house a couple of times. What a dear person. Kerm and I always looked forward to his Christmas cards every year. He did so much for all the lives he touched. Kerm always referred to him as "Coach."
Steve "Bubbles" Hinrichs
12/03/2012
So sorry to hear of "Red"'s passing......
Coach Owens was the ONLY coach to give me a "B" in Gym - When I asked him why, he said because he could see I actually "tried".....
All the others gave me "C"'s or "D"'s.... Robert Ringstead said it right - he DID make a positive impact on so many lives.... Thanks Coach, God Bless...
Becky Dawson
12/03/2012
My heart and prayers are with the family. He was a very special man and fellow Runnells person. He made such a positive impact on me and so very many kids!! He will not be forgotten!
Pam Clippinger-Ramsey
12/03/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers... I will never forget Coach Red!
Aunt Ellen, Uncle Gene Ginn, cousins Charlotte Dee
12/03/2012
Maggie, Jason and Pat: So sorry to hear about your loss. We were looking forward to Rich's promised visit to Arizona. What a shock. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families. God bless.
Gary Whitmore
12/03/2012
Pat and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all in this tragic time. May God be with you at your time of need.
Charlotte Dees
12/03/2012
Prior message from cousins Charlotte Dees, Beverly West and John Ginn
Becky Beech Geidel
12/03/2012
We were truly saddened to hear of Red's passing. He has been a great friend to our family for as long as I can remember. We always looked forward to opening day of pheasant season with him. He will truly be missed. Prayers for you all.