Verl James Owens

Verl James Owens

Jan. 2, 1935 - April 17, 2015

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. -- Verl James Owens, age 80, passed away in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Friday, April 17, 2015, at his home, in the loving hands and hearts of his family and friends.

Verl was born on Jan. 2, 1935, in Trenton, Nebraska, to Francis and Della (Frick) Owens. He graduated from Brush High School in Brush, Colorado in 1953. At this time, he worked at the Brush grocery store and later moved to Curtis, Nebraska, to work for the railroad. This is when he met the love of his life and his forever wife, Joanne Spitz. Through this bond, four children were born: Kathy, Susan, Kent and Sheryl. Verl, Joanne and family lived in Sterling, Colorado, from 1963 to 1996. He enjoyed the outdoors through gardening, camping, boating and fishing. He was also an avid Bronco and later Cardinal fan. Verl retired from the Burlington Northern railroad in 1996, after 42 years. Upon retirement, he and Joanne resided in Bullhead City, Arizona. He stayed busy through his volunteer work at Community Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his four children, Kathy and Doug Piel of Merino, Colorado, Susan and Charles Pollart of Holly, Colorado, Kent and Anne Owens of Merino, Colorado, and Sheryl Bornhoft of St. Paul, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren, Christin and Dan Sutter, Danny and Tabitha Piel, Amber and Don Pope, Andrew Piel, Abigail Pollart, Hannah Pollart, Lucas Owens, Sarah and Jake Schubert, Emily Owens, Allison Owens, Michelle and Ryan Ochsner, Preston and Sarah Bornhoft, Shannon and Austin Scroggin; 10 great-grandchildren, plus one due to arrive in June; three brothers, Larry and Janis Owens, Doug and Lana Owens, Don and Roxann Owens; sister, Karen and Ben Mortimore; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; and canine companion, Piper.

Verl was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Della (Frick) Owens; sister, Neva Townsley; his brother, Dale Owens; and canine companions, Buddy and Lady.

Verl's requests have been honored through cremation and his family has planned for interment at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, Colorado, on June 27, 2015, at 2 p.m. Condolences and cherished memories may be sent to: 2960 Silver Creek Rd. Space 93, Bullhead City, Arizona, 86442.