Robert (Bob) William Owens passed away on January 2, 2023 at the age of 80 years old. He left this Earth peacefully surrounded by his loved ones while holding hands with the love of his life, Alice. Bob was born to parents Barton and Ruth (Gilmore) Owens on October 13, 1942, 15 minutes after his identical twin brother Bart. The doctor thought that Bob was the afterbirth. When Bob was in 8th grade, he met his match for the first time. Alice Kay Dawson. When she was getting off the school bus one day, Bob said that she was the girl he was going to marry. And he did. When they were 19 years old, they made the long drive to Michigan for an expedited wedding ceremony on July 9, 1962. This was the first day of their 60 years of wedded bliss. The following day he would leave for the Navy where he would serve for 4 years on the USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938). As part of the Navy Reserves he served his country for a total of 8 years. Being a truly service-minded individual, Bob carried on his call to duty by serving as a reserve officer for the Willard Police Department. During his 30 years in the reserves, he would act as captain for 20 of those years as well as a councilman for the City of Willard also, for 20 years. He also was a dedicated employee to the local factory, RR Donnelley’s, where he would retire from after 43 years.
Bob loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his daughter Tami. The two would enjoy watching and playing multiple sports together including tennis and golf. The second loves of his life were the golf course, where he could be found 6 days a week, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. It was always a toss-up if you wanted to be at the Owens house on game days because if the Buckeyes won or lost would determine what kind of mood Bob would be in for the rest of the day. He was a passionate sports fan to say the least. How many police officers can say they were tossed out of a Willard Flashes basketball game while in uniform working security. Bob made an impression everywhere he went. His tender heart and boisterous laugh could put a smile on anyone’s face. He never knew a stranger and was the most popular grandpa at all his grandkids sporting events. He supported the Willard Flashes any chance he got. Whether that be at the Friday night football games or as a season ticket holder for the basketball team. His grandchildren Travis and Emily and great grandchildren, Kendyll and Jonah, whom he so lovingly referred to as “Ring-Rangs” had a number one fan in their grandpa. Even their friends would call Bob grandpa and he was all too happy to have the title. Bob lived a fulfilled life with his loving wife Alice by his side. Together they travelled the world and managed to visit all 50 states as part of their adventures. Bob and Alice were faithful members of the Church of the Master in Steuben, Ohio. A life like theirs can only be celebrated and remembered with the fondest of memories and stories. A life that anyone would be proud and lucky to live. He was loved by his community, his friends, and his family and his presence will be fondly remembered by us all.
Bob is proceeded in death by his parents, Barton and Ruth (Gilmore) Owens. Brothers, Bart and Joseph Owens. Sisters, Barbara Shaver and Beverly Martin. Brothers-in-law, Jerry Martin, Loyal Hopple, Eugene Mason, and J.H. Barnett. Sisters-in-law Peggy Owens, Carol Owens, Dolores Hopple, and Opal Shubert. Great grandson, Adyn Salyer.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Alice (Dawson) Owens. Sister, Maggie Barnett. Sister-in-law, Reva Mason. Brother-in-law, Daryl Dawson. Children, Tami Salyer and Robert Owens. Grandchildren, Travis (Stephanie) Salyer and Emily (Ashlynd) Salyer. And great grandchildren, Kendyll and Jonah Salyer.
Services will be held at Secor’s Funeral home in Willard with calling hours on Thursday, January 5 ,2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Friday ll:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. with funeral immediately following on Friday. Dinner will be held at the Church of the Master in Steuben, Ohio at the completion of services on Friday. Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Willard Athletic Boosters. Online condolences can be made to Bob’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Jeri (osborn) close - Jan 10, 2023
Alice, so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was always friendly and a smile seemed so natural for him. I know how difficult this is for you and your family. Relie on your family, friends, and God for stremgth.
Bob & Kim McCracken - Jan 10, 2023
Our thoughts are with you!
Lisa Fletcher - Jan 10, 2023
Alice, sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Take comfort in knowing he is in the good hands of our Lord. Prayers are with you and your family.
Tami Zellner Ford - Jan 10, 2023
Thinking of you all! What an amazing life lived by a great man!❤️
Deb kostoff - Jan 9, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in my prayers
Janet (Lohr) Songer - Jan 9, 2023
Alice and Family, So very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a great guy and a lot of fun - I was a few years ahead of him in school. May God be with you during this tough time.
Vicki Elmlinger - Jan 8, 2023
Alice, Tami and family, thinking of you at this lime of loss. May the strength of your family bring you peace and comfort.
Charles and Nancy Kauffman - Jan 7, 2023
We were so sorry to hear that Bob has passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gerri - Jan 5, 2023
Alice,Tammy, Bobby & Maggie hated hearing this and I knew how sick he was. He is out of pain now and with our God. Cherish all those memories, he was a lot of fun. He will be missed❤️
Marsha Ganni - Jan 5, 2023
Alice and family, Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Margaret Payne - Jan 5, 2023
Tami, I know he will be missed. He was great to be with on the golf course. Saw him at RRd and as a Police officer at basketball games. Remember your time with him and treasure the memories.
Glea Herr - Jan 5, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss… he will be greatly missed by many. My thoughts and prayers!!!
Dan & Becky Mahl - Jan 5, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Bob was a good friend
Jeffrey L Jump - Jan 4, 2023
To my uncle Bob he was my idle in my life my uncle and best friend I am going to miss you everyday of my life. He taught me a lot of growing up in my life. I love you and always will. You are a very good man. Rest in peace and fly high. Rip
Randy and Jeanie Watts, Palm Coast, Florida - Jan 4, 2023
Dear Alice and Family, We are thinking of you and praying for your comfort during this sad and difficult time. May God surround you with His peace and love. Bob was VERY special to us.
Ray Bays - Jan 4, 2023
Please accept my condolences for Bob’s passing, I have known him for many years, we went to school together. He was a really nice guy. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Deb White - Jan 4, 2023
Alice and family … so very sorry for your loss. I always loved Bob. Always a funny guy. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue & Bill Pfefferle - Jan 4, 2023
So sorry to here about Bob. He was always an individual who was always willing to help. He will be missed.
Suzanne Miller Phillips - Jan 4, 2023
Alice, Maggie and Family. My condolences to your family with Bob’s passing. I enjoyed working at Willard PD with him in the early days, always fun and always a laugh. I know he will be missed.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Jan 4, 2023
Alice, Maggie and family, Our sincere sympathy goes out to all of you at this sad time. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Pamela Carpenter Nelson - Jan 4, 2023
So sorry for your loss, prayers for the family at this difficult time 🙏.
Danette Detterman - Jan 4, 2023
Alice, Tami, and Robert Sadden me to hear this news tonight. So sorry to hear this sad news to start the New Year for you guys. I didn't know him, but his obituary sounds like a wonderful life well lived. Alice how Awesome for you to travel the world with the Love of your Life. Sounds like you had a very Awesome dad too Tami and Robert. Sounds like there will be many tears cried, but remember death can never steal your Loving memories and it sounds like he left you all so very many so hold on tight to them. I send my condolences to Maggie too, how sad your husband now your brother. Keeping you close in prayers for healing and I hope when I see all you Beautiful ladies you still have those Big Beautiful smiles he would want that for you all I'm sure.
Sharon Hicks - Jan 4, 2023
Im so sorry for your loss. Alice and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Hicks - Jan 4, 2023
Im so sorry for your loss. Alice and family you are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReNea Owens - Jan 4, 2023
Alice and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. Bob is a very special man. Love and prayers ReNea
Jim Rose - Jan 4, 2023
My most sincere condolences to the Owen family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed working with Bob at WPD. He was a great guy.
Marc E Garner - Jan 4, 2023
I am so very saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. I have such fond memories of Bob growing up on the East Side since our families were close friends. Bob had a personality that endeared him to many . My Heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family and loved ones .
Kathy williams - Jan 4, 2023
Sorry to hear about Bob. I enjoyed working with him at rrd. Will keep him in my prayers.
Harold and Marcella Handshoe - Jan 4, 2023
We’re so very sorry for the loss of your husband, Alice… Harold and I are sending prayers for you and your family!
Barbara Greer - Jan 4, 2023
Alice and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Susan Holmes Wiles Hellinger - Jan 3, 2023
Alice and family, I am so sorry about Bob. I knew Bob many years from his time on the Reserves and then through our connection through city council. Bob was always a pleasure to work with, always smiling and easy to joke with. Rest in peace with God, Bob; now and forever.
Larry & Barbara Blankenship - Jan 3, 2023
Alice ,Tammy and family. We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great guy. We always enjoyed talking with him. He always had a smile for everyone. Prayers and condolences .
Rick Reed - Jan 3, 2023
Sadden by this news. Bob was a great guy and I wish the family strength and peace in this time.
Mark, Andrea, and Aiden Ewald - Jan 3, 2023
Our condolences. (Great) Uncle Bob was a great man. I’ll always remember the stories he told me. He had such an interesting and full life. He will be missed by all.
Gary & Pam Mason - Jan 3, 2023
May all of your memories give you peace and comfort. Bob was a special person with a big zest for life. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Frank Mendoza - Jan 3, 2023
Sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful kind man I worked with him ar RRD for over 28 years. Him and Gary wolf were a great time to work for. Our deepest condolences to all the family. Tammy and Emily love you both.
Gary and Rose Pittenger - Jan 3, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a very special man. He loved Alice and his family and his town. Thank you Bob for your military service and your service with the police work and council. Rest in peace Bob.
Viola Longwell - Jan 3, 2023
It hurts my heart to lose Uncle Bob... and my heart breaks for Aunt Alice and Tami. I wish I could be in Ohio for the funeral, but I will be there in spirit. He will be missed by so many. Sending lots of love to Bob's family, and many prayers for comfort. Love, Vi
Keith and Linda Shook - Jan 3, 2023
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Enjoyed knowing and working with him as a Willard PD dispatcher. Always a smile on his face and so easy to get along with. Our condolences to the entire family and he will be missed. RIP Bob..
Bo Owens - Jan 3, 2023
I miss you!
Sandi, Mick and Michaella O’Brien - Jan 3, 2023
We are so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy
Larry and Fran Smith - Jan 3, 2023
Sending our deepest condolences to all of you. Larry and I worked with Bob at R R Donnelley’s for years. He was always fun to work with. And as you said he never knew a stranger. Lots of good memories working with Bob. My God give you comfort in all memories made and hold dear those heart warming memories during those difficult times. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers🙏
