After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and a valiant fight with cancer, Bob W. Owen went home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2010.
He was born on December 24, 1927 in Springfield, MO to Bill and Bertha Owen. Once graduating from Central High School, Bob attended Southwest Missouri State College. He soon met and married his wife Wanda J. Killough. They made their home in San Antonio, Texas where Bob served his country during the Korean War in the Air Force. He was a Staff Sergeant who was an Educational Specialist teaching marksmanship. Upon discharge he and his family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he lived almost the rest of his life.
Bob worked for over 20 yrs at Utica Bank in Tulsa as Executive Vice President. During this time, he furthered his education going to Rutgers University. Upon early retirement, he fulfilled a dream since childhood by opening a shop called “Studio of Stamps” a combination of stamps and coins which was a lifetime hobby. Joyfully, he owned and operated it for five years.
Bob went back to Springfield the last four years of his life, being where he wanted to be, his hometown. He loved being back and soon became a volunteer for the Daily Bread Program through Southside Senior Center, delivering meals. He did this until his health forced him to quit. One of his biggest joys was to go to the monthly luncheons for his Class of 45 and enjoyed being with his classmates from high school.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother Joe, wife and beloved daughter, Cherie.
He leaves behind his devoted daughter, Sheila Owen and five grandchildren. They are Sandy Loebeck, Nicole Ryon and husband Steve, Angela Dawn Greene, Joy Guard and Michael Buchanan in the order of their birth. He also leaves 12 wonderful great grandchildren and several cousins. Last but far from least, his very special friend, Ettamae Waterman.
A “Celebration of Life” memorial will be held on October 30, 2010 at 3:00 pm at the Chardonnay Apartments Clubhouse in Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, his daughter requests, donations in Bob’s name be sent to Oxford Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association. I would like to express a special thanks to both of these organizations for their caring help.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn South Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.