Daniel Owens, 38 of Traverse City, passed away September 27, 2018, in the presence of his loving mother, and his favorite uncle, Charles Way. Daniel was born December 4, 1979, to Lois Owens and Donald C. Owens III, in Portsmouth, Virginia. He and his family moved to Brunswick, Maine where he attended Coffin Elementary School and later moved to Traverse City where he attended Traverse City Central High School and received his diploma in 2005.

As a result of traumatic events causing episodes of intense social anxiety and fear, Daniel lead a somewhat solitary life dedicated to immediate family and his closest friends. Over time Daniel developed a keen interest in animals (wild and tame) and reptiles. Gradually, he became the proud owner of specific animals and reptiles, which became his trusted companions, giving meaning and purpose to his life. He was determined to acquire as much information and knowledge as possible in order to provide safe and suitable care.

Holidays were special to Daniel. He was looking forward to celebrating Halloween this year and was making plans on what he would need to make the evening special.

He had a fondness for music and would write his own lyrics or expand or alter the lyrics of another musician. A few weeks prior to his death he shared the following (which he termed a ballad) with his mother:
I'm 38 and I'm strong.
I've got my God forsaken room by the tail
And my one way ticket to heaven
And no one gonna take it away from me
My whole life I could not arrange
My wicked ways I could not change
Don't try now, don't try now to understand
This is the ballad of Dananimal

Daniel was dedicated to his family and close friends and cherished these relationships. Those who knew him well would remark on his creativity (at times a bit quirky), sensitivity to all forms of life, his compassion toward others (especially those who were hurting), his quick wit and keen sense of humor and his playfulness. He loved his Converse Pizza tennis shoes and wearing them to a local shopping center, a man approached him, complimented him on the shoes and inquired if Daniel would relinquish his shoes and sell them to this stranger. Daniel, respectfully, informed the gentleman, in no uncertain terms, the shoes were not for sale.

Daniel is survived by his mother Lois Owens, Traverse City and Donald C. Owens, III, Traverse City, his sister Nienke Judkins, extended family members and friends, including Charles Way (uncle), Traverse City, Kim Shearer (aunt), Traverse City, Leah Haines (cousin), Mesick and Beth Wheeler (friend) , Katy, Texas.

Family and friends are being received at Reynolds Jonkhoff funeral home, Traverse City, on Monday, October 1 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Healing Private Wounds Center, Cadillac, Michigan.

The family is deeply grateful for the professional care Daniel received from Chronic Care Management and Heartland Hospice Care. They also wish to thank his close friends, especially Bill Gannon who remained present to him during his recent illness and lovingly offered social, physical and spiritual support which, provided comfort and a profound sense of deep peace to Daniel and to his family.

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.