Ralph Eugene Owen

Ralph Eugene Owen age 93 of Jensen Beach, Fl. passed away January 10, 2021 in Algonac, MI. He was born April 25, 1927 in Detroit, MI. to the late Ernest and Helen (nee Church) Owen. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Mitchel on March 17, 1947 in Corbin, KY., she passed away June 27, 1918. Ralph attended South Eastern High School until he enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 to serve his country during WW II. After his discharge from his Naval service, he married his wife of 71 years, Betty Mitchel. The two moved to Algonac in 1947. Ralph's career took many turns in his early years of marriage. He tried setting pins in the bowling alley for 10 cents a line, selling Fuller Brush Products door to door, assembling Chris Craft Boats at their original facility in Algonac. He eventually settled into "Building America" with the Iron Workers Local #25. During his 30-year career he took great pride in pointing out the buildings and bridges he worked on, such as, Cobo Hall, SE Michigan Gas in Detroit, the Edison Power Plant in St. Clair, the Blue Water Bridge, McMorran Auditorium, in Port Huron, to name a few. He also served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Algonac Fire Department for many years. Ralph also had a love for travel and adventure which took him to all 50 states, all of the Canadian Provinces, numerous Caribbean Islands, and South American Countries. Many summer hours were spent on one of the many boats he owned over the years. When water skiing and joy riding weren't practical fishing always was. When the boat was winterized, he sometimes turned to his "Cabin on the Lake" for a little ice fishing. Every fall his heart took him north to Deer Camp. Many nights were spent telling stories or his infamous jokes around the camp fire. In 1972 Ralph purchased a Piece of Paradise at Nettles Island in Jensen Beach, FL. Following his retirement in 1982 he spent his winters there. If he wasn't on the tennis courts you could probably find him at the horseshoe pits, lovingly harassing someone into losing the match. His abilities on both courts led to dozens of trophies and bragging rights over the years. Although Ralph was an only child, he and Betty had 5 children. The family continues to grow. Funny faces and belly crunchers will be missed by all. Ralph is survived by his children Robert (Kris) Owen, Danny (Gladys ) Owen, Becky (Bruce) Bokram, and Terrie Fox, 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter Linda Reynolds Purcell Owen, and a grandson Christopher Lee Owen. Ralph\\\'s request was there be no formal funeral service, however, a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac.

Ralph Eugene Owen

April 25, 1927 - January 10, 2021