Obituary of Elmer W. Owen

Our hardworking, gentle hearted father, grandpa, and dear friend, Elmer Owen, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the age of 95. We take comfort in knowing he was lovingly welcomed into heaven by his Lord and reunited with the love of his life, Millie.

Elmer was born on June 11, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Alanson and Margaret (Head) Owen. A proud graduate of Saginaw High School, Class of 1947, he went on to serve his country with honor during the Korean War as part of the U.S. Army, using his skilled hands in truck repair, a talent he would carry through much of his life.

After returning home, Elmer continued his career in truck repair, working with David Cartage – Carrollton Truck Repair, N & K Trucking and General Motors, Grey Iron – Central Foundry, retiring in 1985. He approached every job with quiet dedication and pride.

But above all, Elmer’s heart was with his family. He and Millie shared countless adventures with their children, creating memories on family road trips and sunny days in Florida, a place Elmer especially loved. Even in retirement, he stayed active, lending his expertise at a local car dealership in Florida.

Elmer was a man of deep faith, centered in Christ, and found joy in worship and community at Saginaw Valley Church of the Nazarene. It was there he met Millie, Mildred Eva McFarland, the woman who would become his devoted partner for 66 beautiful years. They were married on March 24, 1950, in Falmouth, Michigan, and together built a life grounded in love, faith, and service. Millie preceded Elmer in death on May 24, 2016.

Now, the strong and caring hands that shaped so many lives have been gently laid to rest. Elmer’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him; his children: Randal (Jane) Owen, Daniel (Debra Belshaw) Owen and Darlene (Ted) Myers; grandchildren: Mandy (Josh) Palmateer, Shannon Owen, Matthew (Melani) Owen, Shannon (Jamie) Adams and Amanda Gardner; great-grandchildren: Cassidy Palmateer, Rylan Owen,  Mia and Maizy Owen, Hunter and Carter Norris, Jaxsen Adams, Landen Tomaski, Payton and Makenzie Triguero; sister-in-law, Florence Owen and a wide circle of extended family and cherished friends.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Millie; an infant son, Randy Owen; and his grandson who he was so very proud of, Deputy Sheriff Joshua Owen; six siblings: Chuck, Lance, Morris, Rolland and Wallace Owen and Emma Wolff.

Elmer will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was: faithful, kind, humble, and devoted. His was a life well lived and deeply loved.

Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, Michigan on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A funeral service to celebrate his life will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Pastor Paul Brashaw will officiate. Elmer will be carried to Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in his 1949 Ford Truck that he restored with his son, Dan. Burial and Military Honors under the auspices of United States Army and V.F.W. Post #1859 will be held at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to Covenant at Home Hospice.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com