Edwin LaVaine Owens

Edwin LaVaine Owens, 87, Green River, passed away Oct. 11, 2019, at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County in Rock Springs.

He was born Feb. 8, 1932, in Evanston, the son of Charles Otto and Marguerite Pope Owens. He attended schools in Green River.

LaVaine married Betty Louise Ringdahl June 6, 1951, in Green River. Their marriage was latter solemnized in the Salt Lake Latter-day Saints Temple.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He and his wife served two missions for the church, one to England and the other to Martin's Cove.

He was a volunteer firefighter for the Green River Fire Department for many years. He was employed at Union Pacific Railroad as a Roundhouse Foreman for 45 years before retiring in 1993.  

He had many hobbies and interests including hunting, fishing, camping and swimming. He could often be seen swimming at the recreation center most mornings. He was a great cook and spent a lot of time cooking for his family. Every Christmas Eve he would cook a delicious prime rib for his entire family, even as the family get together out grew his house. Every Halloween he would make each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren popcorn balls. Over the last few years he would make each of his children a loaf of bread every week and continued this tradition as his health was fading.

Another hobby that he took on as his health began to decline was making crocheted winter hats. He counted each one and  made 2,716 hats and was so happy to give those to everyone.

A couple years ago he made enough to give every child in the Green River LDS Stake a hat for winter.

One of LaVaine's most well-known and beloved hobbies and talents was singing and playing the guitar. He shared this talent with everyone he could. He would often be asked to sing at funerals and was more than happy to do it.

His family loved to have him sing around the campfire and each person had their favorite song that they loved to hear him sing.

When visiting with family, he would often break  into a  song to give advice.  If they were going through something and a song would match the situation, he had to share it.

His beautiful voice will be missed. He had a way of making everyone he met feel special and loved.The love that he showed his beloved wife, Betty Lou, has been an example to all. We love and appreciate the man and the love that he is.      

Survivors include his wife, Betty Lou Owens of Green River, sons, Richard Owens and wife Karon, Stanley Owens and wife Laura, Charles Owens and wife Jana, all of Green River, daughter, Judy Owens and husband Kayskaye Howard of Rock Springs, daughter-in-law ,Sandy Owens of Green River, sister, Charlene Jackson of Rifle, Colo., 21 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marguerite Owens, son, Owen Dale (Rusty) Owens, grandsons, Jaxon Owens, Christopher Owens, one brother and three sisters.

Funeral services took place Oct. 17, 2019, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Green River.

Interment will take place in the Riverview Cemetery in Green River. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Condolences for family can be left at http://www.foxfh.com.