Johnny Martin Owens Sr.

He peacefully passed away on May 31, 2024, in Sulphur, Louisiana.

John was the proud father of three children, Johnny Martin Owens Jr (Michele Rollinger

Owens), Tina Marie Best (Kenneth Dwayne Best), Stefanie Elaine Ardoin (Adam Hale

Ardoin). His adventurous spirit began early in life, jumping trains with his brother Donnie

while in high school. John joined the US Navy at an early age. His first duty station after

boot camp was at Naval Air Station New Iberia in southern Louisiana. It was there that he

fell in love with the state and his first wife Carole A. Gary.

During his service with the US Navy John served in Vietnam with the 1st Marine Division

doing dental and medical work. His commendable service earned him numerous

accolades, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with

Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal,

Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Navy Achievement

Medal among others.

John was a man of many passions. He loved jumping out of airplanes, riding his

motorcycle, driving fast loud cars, playing volleyball, fishing, and chasing after “that dang

little white ball” in big open fields (golf). Family gatherings were among his favorite

activities. He owned and operated Acadian Dental Lab in Lafayette before retiring to

Sulphur to live with his son and daughter-in-law.

John was preceded in death by his parents Carl Edward Owens and Hortense Crabtree

Owens. Siblings Janet Owens Miller, Donald J Owens, Laquieta J Owens, Artie E. Owens

and survived by siblings Robert E. Owens and Sue Owens Ford. His three wives, Carole

Anne Gary Rogers, Linda Marie Gile and Rebecca Ann Moreau Guidry. His three children

and their spouses, five grandchildren, Christopher Michael Best (Jamie), Patrick Jason (PJ)

Best (Heather) Brandi Best Vieceli (Louis), Haleigh Ardoin Allen (Kaleb) and Hannah Ardoin

Collings (Sean); and eleven great-grandchildren Vivian, Drake, Ethan, Elijah, Manchan,

Parris, Olivia, Frances, Charlotte, Isaac, and Gabriel.

Among his other loves were White Castle burgers, Waffle House, and his multiple pet dogs.

John’s vibrant presence will be deeply missed until we are reunited with him (at a much

later date).

There will be a private burial held for John at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary, LA.