Steven Dennis Owens, age 64, passed away after a long decline from Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease early Saturday, October 17, 2026, 12:32 AM, at Stella Maris Nursing Home, Towson, MD with his wife Shelette Natacha Grant-Owens by his side.

The second child to Mary (Leonard) Owens and Johnny Owens, Steve was born at 4:15 AM at Fort Ord military base in Monterey, CA, October 4, 1962. Shortly after, they relocated to Killeen, Texas where he grew up and attended school. Steve’s mother, Mary Owens, worked as the Head Baker of both his elementary/middle school and high school and made sure he had extra treats. This was the start of his life-long love of chocolate chip cookies, brownies and treats.

After Steve graduated high school, he enlisted with the United States Army where he served from September 1981 to April 1990. During his enlistment he attended Howard Community College and graduated from Central Texas College. Steve never stopped learning, acquiring dozens of specialty certifications and diplomas in satellite technology, electronics, and even residential appraising.

Steve worked for 25 years for two of the major satellite communications companies in the United States of America. From 1992 to 2006, he worked for Intelsat Global Communications Headquarters, and from 2006 to 2017 for SES Engineering Americom. He retired from SES due to his diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Steve took on his diagnosis with the same generosity of spirit and energy as he lived every part of his life. He and his wife, Shelette Natacha Grant-Owens, started attending support group meetings with the Alzheimer’s Association of Maryland, the Department of Aging and Young Onset Dementia Education and Support, YES, group. They became advocates -- spreading awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and the warning signs, encouraging newly diagnosed people and their families along the way. Steve enthusiastically shared his stories and struggles at numerous speaking engagements which gave him a sense of pride, fulfillment, and purpose. Shelette continued that advocacy as he declined and was unable to speak for himself.

Steve had a range of interests and passions from baked goods to football, listening and playing jazz on his saxophone to watching Formula One racing—and a generous heart and spirit well known by friends and family. Steve was a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, no matter how much they disappointed him. He loved Formula One racing and would get up at 3:00 am in the morning to watch Lewis Hamilton race. He also enjoyed playing basketball and golfing. Steve played the saxophone, horn and drums beautifully and would show off his abilities to his wife when they encountered musical instruments in public. His favorite genre of music was Jazz and R&B. Although he had two left feet, he loved to dance. One of his unique talents was impersonating voices. If you closed your eyes you would believe the person he was impersonating was standing there.

Steve had a love for family. His mother and father were close to his heart and he talked about them quite often, especially his mother whom he adored. Steve loved the Lord and would read his bible daily, especially the one gifted to him from his parents in 1989. Steve found a home with his Alzheimer’s support group family, and deeply appreciated the space to express his feelings without judgment. Even as he declined and was less interested in going out, he looked forward to attending the YES support group and was always ready to go.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife Shelette Natacha Grant-Owens, loving daughter Taylor Nkombengnondo, loving father Johnny Owens (Sona), best friend David Benson (Kay), god-daughter Jessica Benson, god-sister Brenda Barrett (Colin), god-sister Annette Williams, god niece Sharron Williams (James), and a host of other close friends who loved him along the way.

The family will receive friends at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, P.A., 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Wednesday October 28 from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM with a Funeral Service beginning at 10:45 AM. Interment to follow at Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Avenue, Catonsville, Maryland 21228. The Celebration of Life-Repast will be held at Matthews 1600, 1600 Frederick Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to YESsupport.org, in Steven Owens name. This nonprofit organization has selflessly helped families cope with the devastating diagnosis of Younger Early Onset Alzheimer’s and Dementia disease.

Please share online condolences with the family by signing his guestbook through www.peacefulalternatives.com.