John Eldridge Owings

John E. Owings, of Nashua, NH, formerly of Chelmsford and Harvard, MA passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2026, after recent health complications.

John was born in Memphis, Tennessee on May 20th, 1942. At 14, he became a licensed amateur radio operator and remained active in the hobby his entire life. His skill with radios and Morse code was put to good use after enlisting in the US Navy, where he served actively during the Cuban Quarantine of 1962 as a radar and radio operator. A proud member of Patrol Squadron VP-26, based at NAS Brunswick, Maine, John fell deeply in love with the Brunswick area and the coast of Maine, including Popham Beach — a love that would stay with him for the rest of his life. After leaving the Navy, John attended Christian Brothers College in Tennessee, earning a degree in electrical engineering.

In 1967, John met and married the love of his life, Gail, his wife of 59 years, who remained his constant companion throughout the rest of his life. Returning to New England, John began his career at Raytheon Corporation, and then in 1971 transitioned into his lifelong calling of insurance and financial planning. With Gail by his side, he built Owings Financial Services into a thriving business with a large network of clients throughout the region — clients who so often became friends. His daughter Rebecca continues that legacy today, a testament to the integrity and dedication John brought to everything he did.

John was a man of deep community spirit. He was active in his local church, the Jaycees, Rotary International, the Caleb Butler Masonic Lodge, and the Shriners. He was always ready to lend a hand, fix something broken, build something someone needed, or lose himself in a tinkering project. A respected businessman of the highest integrity, he was known and loved by an extraordinary number of people throughout the region.

Among his greatest passions was Scouting. John served as a Den Leader in Cub Pack 21 in Chelmsford, MA, and went on to become a dedicated, long-time Scoutmaster of Troop 1 in Harvard, MA — continuing in scout leadership long after his own son had grown. He shaped the lives of countless young men, leading them on climbs and backpacking trips across the mountains of northern New England, including multiple ascents of Mt. Washington and Mt. Katahdin, as well as canoe treks along the Saco River. He encouraged many scouts on their path to earning the Eagle Scout rank, and one of his greatest joys was seeing one of his own children and two of his grandchildren achieve that honor.

John was a true adventurer. When his children were young, the family spent winters skiing across New England and summers sailing the coasts of New England and eastern Canada, visiting countless states and creating stories and memories that the family carries to this day. In later years, John and Gail took many extensive motorcycle trips together, exploring the open road and visiting friends in far-flung places across North America and Europe.

The state of Maine held a special place in John's heart. For over twenty years, the family kept a camp in T1R9, where they explored the remote northwoods and the trails of Baxter State Park, built lasting friendships, and created a rich family lore. John was forever grateful to the true "Mainahs" who welcomed the Owings family with open arms and introduced them to "the way life should be." Some of his other favorite places included Ambajejus Lake and Great Moose Lake.

John also had a deep love of dogs, especially Boston Terriers, and those who knew him well are certain he is now joyfully reunited with his beloved pets.

John is survived by his wife Gail; his daughter Rebecca Peterson, her husband Eric, and their two children, Matthew and Sarah; and his son Scott, his wife Lora, and their four children, Virginia, Grace, Eliza, and Archer.

Visiting hours will be held at Badger Funeral Home in Littleton, MA on April 11th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Further services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider honoring John's memory with a donation to one of the charities he believed in: Tunnel to Towers, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or Samaritan's Purse.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA 01460.