Robert J. Owens Sr.

Robert J. “Bobby Joe” Owens Sr., age 89, was born October 8,1934 to the late Willie W. Owens and Hortense (Boyd) Owens in Lineville, Alabama. He peacefully departed this life on Monday, April 1, 2024, surrounded by family.

Robert attended Dayton Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, Class of 1952. He was elected the 1st president of this Class Club and served until it was dissolved in April 2022.  He attended Sinclair Community College and was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, until his health began to decline. Robert’s employment history consisted of working with the City of Dayton, General Motors, Model City and Deshell Plumbing Company, and he was an entrepreneur of Trotwood Heating & Plumbing Company until his retirement.

Robert was an avid gardener, loved entertaining, cooking and playing cards. He also enjoyed traveling and taking cruises (favorite Cruise Line “Royal Caribbean”).

Masonic Affiliations: Member Ancient Square Lodge #40, PHA; member of Miami Consistory #26; member of Amer Temple #107 HPP, and appointed as Imperial Director of Motorized Patrol, where he served many years. He enjoyed traveling to Imperial Sessions meeting all the nobles he worked with throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Beverly Sorrell Owens; daughter, Robin Owens McElrath; sister, Lorita Reed; and four brothers, Thedford, Herbert, Donald and DuWayne Owens.

Left to cherish is memories are his sons, Robert Jr. (Angela) and Rodney Sr. (Roxanne); grandchildren, Rodney II and Ryan; great-grandchildren, Kay’la and Kensliegh; brother, Craig (Lisa); sisters, Sheila Rountree and Elaine Owens. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives including special friends, Marie Johnson, Maggie Parks, Iola Baker, Darnell Baker, Thomas Graham, and the Farmer family.

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