Stephen Douglas Owen

Steve Douglas Owen

February 6, 1946 - March 23, 2022 (age 76)

Lover of life, Steve Douglas Owen, passed away peacefully at Home in Farmington, NM on March 23, 2022, after a short battle with cancer. Steve was born in Oklahoma City, OK on February 6, 1946, to Mary Burke and Robert Eugene Owen. Steve spent his childhood in Oklahoma City with temporary stops in Pawhuska, OK. He grew up with a fondness for sports and the outdoors. He loved camping and even enjoyed sleeping in tents as an adult. Steve graduated from St. Gregory's in 1964, a private Roman Catholic High School in Shawnee, OK. After high school, Steve attended the University of Oklahoma. Following in his father's footsteps and continuing in an endless search for oil, Steve graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor's of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a minor in Geology. Steve began his career in Oklahoma City with Union Oil Company and quickly moved his family to Casper, WY. His profession spanned all throughout the Rocky Mountains and the plains of the Midwest.

Steve embarked on numerous journeys where he shared life and a career with many colleagues, friends, and family. Always seeking the next "gusher", rock formation, and unique encounter. He would never turn down a competitive challenge including tasks of engineering effort and brute physical strength. Steve was a master designer of tank batteries, drilling locations, and seismic operations. Everything in the field from piping assemblies to pump jacks was perfectly symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. He had a passion for solving algebraic equations, answering sports trivia, arm wrestling, watching golf, and even producing a winning pinewood derby car. Steve set the "over 70" bench press record in the State of New Mexico at 295 lbs. Steve took pride in small details. His penmanship alone was engineering artwork. Steve had a unique ability to solve intricate field-related issues over a payphone. He was sought out by many in the oil industry as a "common sense" engineer. Steve always left a significant impression on those around him.

Steve was simply a lover of life. He had an infectious charisma that affected all that knew him. His charm was unique. He would never admit it, but Steve loved animals. In his later years, Steve enjoyed camping and rarely was without a small dog in his lap. Steve had a fondness for food and sweets. Although a physical specimen most of his life, he never turned down anything hot out of the oven. He had the ability to walk on his hands through a hotel lobby well into his 50s.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Robert Eugene Owen. He is survived by his wife Malissa, daughter Erika Hardin (Laramie), and son Robert Garcia (Amanda) of Aztec, NM. Son Mike Owen (Kim) of Tulsa, OK. Daughter Raquel Hill (Adam), and daughter Nikki Pillatzke (Lucas), and son Phil Owen of Denver CO. Thirteen grandchildren, two dogs Sancho and Pinto Bean, Sister Christy Wilson of Washington, DC, and Brother Greg Owen of Topeka, KS.

Steve's stories and passion for life will never die.

Steve is in the care of Farmington Funeral Home. A celebration of Life will be held in Aztec, NM. on April 23, 2022. For More information, please contact Erika at 505-947-0215.