David Frederick Owens

David Frederick Owens of Steelville, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the age of 75 years, 8 months and 7 days. He was born May 1, 1950 in St. Louis to Morris Owens and Helen Ziegler Owens.

David and his brothers visited Crawford County in their earlier years with their father on a fishing trip. He and one of his brothers, Michael, fell in love with the area and it became their forever home. After high school, he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army with two tours in Vietnam. He later became employed with the U.S. Merchant Mariners as a First Mate on the river barges on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, retiring after 20 plus years. David was a member of the Seafarer’s International Union AFL-CI0 of North America.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter and lover of the great outdoors and shared that passion with his nephews and nieces, who will greatly miss him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Helen Owens; brothers, Richard Owens and Michael Owens; and one sister, Jo Ann Murphy.

David is survived by his sister, Rose (Andy) Derrickson and brother, James Owens; nieces and nephews; other relatives; and friends.

The Family chose cremation as the final disposition. There will be no services at this time. There will be a private family service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Inurnment will be in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

The Owens Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Frederick Owens, please visit our floral store.