HUTCHINSON — It is with great sadness yet peaceful hearts that we announce the loss of Michael Wayne Owen, 76, of Hutchinson, Kan., who passed away peacefully on Sept. 27, 2026. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Born on July 21, 1950, in Great Bend, Kan., to Wayne and Darlene Owen, Michael lived a life full of adventure and passion. After graduating from Great Bend High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. He later married his wife, Jan, who was his life partner for more than 54 years. Soon after, they welcomed their only child, Weston, who remained Michael’s greatest source of pride.

Throughout his life, Michael pursued numerous passions and devoted his time to a wide variety of interests. For more than two decades, he officiated high school and college football and umpired high school baseball. He loved working with his hands and was skilled in jewelry design, bladesmithing, and silversmithing, as well as an imaginative photographer and pencil and charcoal artist. He was an outdoor enthusiast, avid hunter, dog lover, and motorcyclist.

More than anything, Michael cherished his family and friends. From the decades of wonderful memories he shared with his wife and son and the love and admiration he held for his sister, Sandy, to the many friendships he cultivated through early-morning coffee conversations, those closest to him were his greatest source of joy.

Michael is survived by his wife, Jan; his son, Weston; his sister, Sandy Lankford; his sister-in-law, Joyce Proctor; and his brother-in-law, Kent Proctor. He is also survived by his nieces, Emily Kennedy and Lindsay Herrera and their families, Sarah Rexroat, Gretta Johnson and her family, and Abby Yahnee and her family; as well as his nephew, John Rexroat, and his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Wayne; his mother, Darlene; his brother-in-law, Don Lankford; and his sister-in-law, Joetta Yahnee.

A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter.

Michael will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the countless lives he touched.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Elliott Mortuary

1219 N Main

Hutchinson, KS 67501

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 3, 2026