Philip Edward Owen

MISSOULA – Philip Edward Owen, 81, of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the family home after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born to Lloyd and M. Margaret Owen on Sept. 19, 1931, in Stevensville. Philip graduated from Missoula County High School in 1949 and joined the Air Force, where he served from 1951 to 1954. He married Phyllis Louise Crowley in Newfoundland, Canada, and resided in Florida and Alaska before relocating to Missoula in 1962.

Philip worked as an air traffic controller in Florida, Anchorage, Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska, before transferring to the Missoula airport, where he retired in 1992.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish, hunt and hike with his family until his health got the best of him. He knew the mountains around Missoula and Alaska as well as anyone and willingly shared his knowledge with others. He also enjoyed construction and assisted many with remodel and new projects.

Philip is survived by children, Valerie McGee of Missoula and Debbie Casey (Jeff) of Billings; grandchildren Amanda McGee, Lindsey McGee and Jennae McGee; Jennifer Casey Kunzman (Jeremiah), Kendra Casey and Michelle Casey; and brothers and sisters, Shirley Pew, Maurice Owen, Bryan Owen, Keith Owen, Zane Owen and Dee Owen.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Owen, parents Lloyd and M. Margaret Owen and brother Gail Owen.

A celebration of Philip's life will be held at the family home at 4306 Gharrett on Saturday, July 20, from 3 to 6 p.m.


Read Philip Owen's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.