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William Dean Owens, 87, passed away on May 22, 2019 in Lawrence, Kansas. Born in Topeka, Kansas on July 3, 1931, to Melvina (Cooper) Owens and Claude E. Owens, Dean graduated from the University of Kansas in 1953. He met the love of his life, Doris McConnell, during college and they married on June 10, 1953 in Plymouth Congregational Church. He served in the Marine Corps and then returned to Lawrence where he managed the family lumber business for ten years. With the support of Doris and with three small children, Dean enrolled in Law School at KU. On graduation in 1968, the family moved to Salina, Kansas and he joined Hampton, Royce, Engleman & Nelson, where he practiced law for over 35 years. The best decisions he ever made were to marry Doris, go back to school, to live in Salina and to retire in Lawrence.
Dean and Doris loved to travel. They were able to share London with their grandchildren when each of them turned 16. Although he went to all seven continents, his favorite trip was with his children and daughter-in-law on safari in Tanzania in 2015.
Doris preceded Dean in death. Dean is survived by three children, Steve (Mindy) of Leawood, Susan (Jim) Bloom of Lawrence and Sarah (Thom) Steele of Wichita, six grandchildren, Kaitlin, Ashley, Allison, Whitney, Lindsey and Andrew, and six great-grandchildren, Colby, Camryn, Luke, Rowan, Linley and Lincoln.
Services will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church at 1:00 p.m. on May 29, 2019. The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Public Library Foundation or the Watkins Museum of History, 1047 Massachusetts, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Steve, Susan and Sarah:
So sorry to hear of Dean's passing. Celebrating years gone by brings memories of many good times shared by our families.
Doris, Dean, Vic and I spent many hours playing
tennis, bridge, and sharing many treasured times together. with our families
I am thankful for those reflections and feel blessed
to have shared my life with your Dad and Mom.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Norma Harrod
May 31, 2019
a loved one
May 28, 2019
To Dean's family - I'm so sad to read about your dad's death. He was always a very special man and well-remembered by all his Topeka High friends.
Nancy Greenwood Williams
May 26, 2019
Steve, Susan & Sarah,
I am sorry to hear of your Father's passing. I have many fond memories of Uncle Dean, with his big smile, cheerful laugh and friendly personality. Please accept my heartfelt condolences at your Father's passing.
Chip McConnell
May 25, 2019
Hi Steve, Susan and Sarah:
On behalf of the Bong boys, my brothers John (Houston), Jerry (Chicago) and myself (Dallas), please accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences and sympathies. We have fond memories of your Mom and Dad when we were growing up in Lawrence and meeting both of them and all of you at family gatherings w/ the McConnell family. Fond memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. Thank you and best wishes to all of you, especially during this sad time. God Bless to all,
James (Jim) Bong, Dallas.
James (Jim) Bong
May 24, 2019
Dear Steve, Susan and Sarah....
I was so very sorry to hear of your father and my Uncle Dean's passing. I didn't realize he was sick. He was the last of his generation in our family. I have warm and vivid memories of his smile and reassuring voice. Now it seems as if we have also lost Aunt Dodo all over again. This is such a difficult time for you, your spouses and families. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to each and everyone of you. Sorry that this condolence is not more personal as I am with my Washburn University students here in Europe until June1st. Blessings and peace in the memories, Love, Judy McConnell-Farmer
Judy McConnell-Farmer
May 23, 2019
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