John Snowden Owens

Dec 13, 1916 - Jun 30, 2008

John Snowden Owens, 91, of Pengilly, died Monday, June 30, 2008, at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl. He was born Dec. 13, 1916, in Springfield, Ill., to Thomas and Georgianna (Snowden) Owens.

He grew up in South Bend, Ind. After his graduation from Central High School in 1935, he attended Northwestern University, graduating with a degree in geology. He went on to earn a master's degree in geology from the University of California-Berkeley in 1941. He worked for M.A. Hanna Co. for 40 years in iron ore exploration and operations, retiring in 1981. He was united in marriage to Lois Kohrt on Nov. 14, 1946, in Hibbing.

John was a 51-year member of the Geological Society of America, American Institute of Metallurgical Engineers, M.A. Hanna Retiree Club, Elks Lodge, Algonquin Club, Swan Lake Country Club, and Northwestern and University of California-Berkeley Alumni Associations. He also curled at the Hibbing Curling Club for many years.

John enjoyed traveling, gardening, genealogy and reading. He appreciated a wide variety of music and loved spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his children: Bronwyn (Glenn) Muster, Richard (Jayne) Owens, Gwenyth (Dennis) Lezer, David (Cynthia) Owens, Kathleen Tocheri, Robert (Laura) Owens, and Daniel (Neva) Owens; grandchildren: Heather Muster, Kristin Vanyo, Tadd Owens, Kipp Owens, Cymry Owens, Byron Tocheri, Whitney Tocheri, Forrest Tocheri, Samantha Tocheri, Ian Owens, Kayla Owens and Madison Owens; two step-grandchildren: Justin Hattam and Dylan Aas; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; a sister, Betty Burch, and a brother, Phillip Owens.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

10/08/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207024321/john-snowden-owens