Douglas Eugene Owens, 77, passed away on June 1, 2022, in Venice, FL. He was born on December 19, 1944, in New London, CT to Eugene and Gertrude Owens. Doug graduated from Darien High School and went on to receive his BA from Arkansas College. Following graduation, Doug proudly served his country for more than three years. He enlisted in the Army and volunteered for Officer Candidate School and Airborne training. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division where he rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant and earned the designation of Master Parachutist. Doug worked many years in the field of corporate mobility. After his retirement from the corporate world, he earned his CDL and became a school bus driver with the Brookfield, CT school system for more than 7 years. Doug was known as “Mr. Doug” by the students who rode his bus. Doug always had a smile for each one of his students. Doug and his wife, Jeanette, relocated to Venice, FL in 2018 from Connecticut. Doug loved his short time in Florida and always said he lives in paradise. He loved spending time at the pool, his cigar group, Romeo group and all the neighbors who quickly became friends. He enjoyed music, laughter, cooking for his family and friends, workouts at the gym and was always the life of the party. Family was very important to him. He was a man who loved life. He is predeceased by his parents Eugene and Gertrude (nee Herbell) Owens. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Owens, children Kelly (Alex) Owens, grandchildren, Alex, Max and Maya, Jennifer Owens, Amanda Owens, grandchildren, Brayden, Layla and Malia, Heather (Ron) Temske, Laurie (Devin) Danisiewicz grandchildren, Dawson and Carter, Brian Danisiewicz, grandchildren Colin and Avery, and sister Barbara Hutchinson who recently relocated to Venice FL from CA. Doug leaves many friends and he held them all close to his heart. He valued every relationship in his life be it family or friends. A Celebration of Life will be held in Doug’s honor on August 6th from 3 to 6 pm. at the Renaissance of Wellen Park Clubhouse, 11720 Renaissance Blvd, Venice, FL. If you are able to attend, please bring a bright smile and a bit of happiness. If not, please raise your favorite beverage and toast him to a life lived well. He would enjoy that. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.