COLUMBUS
Michael A. Owens was born to Ralph P. Owens and Margaret E. Kiel (Owens) on November 29, 1955. As a child in a military family, he also spent early years of his life living in France and Texas. He is survived by his two sisters Carol (Greg) Little of Findley, Ohio, and Janice (Jeff) Eichen of Apex, North Carolina.
Mike held various positions from 1980-2006 with Public Service Indiana/Cinergy/Duke Energy. He then worked as a System Engineer for Decatur County REMC from 2007-2014. In 2014 he became a Key Accounts Manager at Hoosier Energy, where he recently transitioned to Power Management Integration Engineer. He had a passion for power sources, an incredible gift to think outside the box, and a love for creating new designs.
He was a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and a graduate of St. Peter’s Lutheran School. Mike was a Life Scout and played baseball growing up. He graduated from Columbus East High School in 1974 as part of the first graduating class. After high school, Mike attended Purdue University where he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi, the Purdue Glee Club, the Hang Gliding Club, and a participant in the Grand Prix. He graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
In May of 1979 during a pickup game of basketball, Mike met his future wife, Amber E. Johnson, who survives him. After three years of dating, they married on June 26, 1982, and shared forty-one years of marriage together. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and attending sporting events and concerts.
Mike became a dad on June 7, 1988, to Micah (Brien) McCormick, who survives him. Mike shared his love of ice cream, rollercoasters, sports, and traveling with Micah. He was the ultimate girl dad and could often be found taking her shopping, attending dance recitals, keeping the book at her sporting events, or helping her with projects for school or 4-H.
With the birth of his grandsons Declan McCormick on December 11, 2019, and Corban McCormick on June 6, 2022, Mike officially became known as “Papaw.” In the short amount of time he was given this role, he shared a great deal of love. He quickly became the first choice for a playmate. Papaw made his boys laugh the hardest as the tickle monster and gave the best bubble baths.
He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering for the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, and Purdue Boilermakers. He also enjoyed traveling to the beach and theme parks with his family. Mike served as an usher and communion assistant at church. He was always willing to lend a hand and help others in need. His jokes and sense of humor often filled a room with laughter. He always had the perfect words to say, story to share, or prayer to offer. Mike had a gift for making others feel loved, accepted, and valued. Mike was looking forward to spending more time with family and planning to retire this spring.
Mike is also survived by his wife’s siblings, Jennifer (George) Lockhart, Randy (Lisa) Johnson, Tammy (David) Miller, and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding him in death, alongside his parents, is his brother-in-law, Chuck Johnson.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, arrangements for a private funeral service and burial have been made through Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
Those wishing may make memorial donations through the funeral home to the St. Paul Lutheran Early Childhood Ministries Building Fund, or the St. Peter’s Lutheran School Scholarship Fund.
You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and leave a condolence message to the family online at www.jewellrittman.com.
