Robert "Bud" Allen Owens
Robert “Bud” Allen Owens passed away at Prairie Pines ECF, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021.
He was born Dec. 20, 1926, to Peter J. and Bertha Klemke Owens, who homesteaded west of Lusk.
Bud was a farmer and rancher in addition to having various other jobs including plumbing, when, in his 20s he was involved in an accident that buried him alive when a ditch caved in on him. He worked for many years for the State Highway Department and Lusk Port of Entry. As a lifelong resident of Lusk, he was a familiar face to many. Students who passed through Niobrara County High School between 1970 and 1983 will remember him as the school custodian. Residents of the many farms and ranches north and east of Lusk knew him as their mail carrier for more than 50 years, retiring at age 88.
Bud quit high school at age 17 to join the Merchant Marines during WWII. He and his shipmates were delivering jet fuel to our troops all over the world. After three years, he was drafted into the Army and was stationed in the Italian Alps until his discharge.
On Feb. 1, 1948, Bud married Shirley Louise Lang. Their daughter, Lanette, was born in 1949 and their son, Terry, was born in 1950. Bud and Shirley enjoyed dancing, playing pinochle and attending local sporting events.
Bud was preceded in death by his sisters, Phyllis Hoy and Velma Johnson, and his wife Shirley. Bud is survived by his daughter, Lanette Evers (Spearfish, South Dakota), and son, Terry (Rio Rancho, New Mexico), as well as his grandchildren, Christea (Nate) Reiser (DeSoto, Missouri), Garth Evers (Spearfish. South Dakota), and Reeve (Abby) Evers (Las Vegas. Nevada); great-grandchildren Skyler Carnes, Nick Reiser, Amy Reiser, Bella Evers, Aria Evers and Ivy Evers, as well as his nieces and nephews.
Per Bud’s request, there will be no services.
Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.