Donald "Uncle Buck" E. Owens, 74, of rural Keystone, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 23, 2023, at his residence.

Don was born in Illinois on Feb. 7, 1949, to Harold W. and Mary E. (Harouff) Owens.  Both parents preceded him in death.

After graduating from high school in Illinois, Don served in the United States Army, stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge in 1974.  He worked for several area businesses, including Corning Glass, The Keebler Company, and most recently had worked for ADM Animal Nutrition in Bluffton as a truck driver before retiring.

In his free time, Don loved collecting tractors and motorcycles, specifically Harley Davidsons.  He also loved traveling, and especially going on cruises.

Survivors include a daughter, Dawn (Jay) Brickley of Bluffton; three grandchildren, Ashley Taylor of Warren, Amber Costello of Elkhart, and Jay (Koryn) Brickley of Bluffton; five great-grandchildren, Emmit, Malachi, and Ambriella Taylor, Delani Brickley, and Bryden Foreman; three brothers, Cliffton Owens of Bluffton, Homer Owens of Muncie, and Ronald Owens of Hartford City; and a sister, Dorothy Owens (John Gilbert) of Camden, S.C.

A receiving of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton, followed immediately by military rites at the funeral home, conducted by the American Legion in conjunction with the United States Army Honor Guard.  The family requests casual attire to worn at Don's visitation (preferably something John Deere or Harley Davidson), in honor of Don's love for tractors and motorcycles.

Private burial will be held at Marion National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family, in care of the funeral home.