Robert L. Owens

ATHENS, Ohio - Robert L. Owens, 71, of Athens, died at his home on Thursday, November 19, 2009, after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born May 13, 1938, in Springfield, Illinois to Odell and Alfrieda Owens who preceded him in death.

He left Springfield at an early age to serve his country as a reconnaissance specialist in the Marine Corps. Upon honorable discharge from the military he moved to southern California where he attended Biola University and ultimately received a degree in religious philosophy. In 1961 his career was set aside so that he could be actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. One of Robert's most memorable achievements was his work with The Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.) as a Freedom Rider in Jackson, Mississippi.

While in Athens, Robert was employed by the College of Communication at Ohio University as the operations manager for the Scripps Survey Research Center and the Multi Media Lab. He had a strong belief in God and country and was an avid fisherman, basketball player, sport fan, and mentor for youth around the community.

Robert is survived by his wife and soul mate for almost 30 years, Debra Henderson of Athens, OH. He is also survived by his siblings Wanda Shaw of Altadena, CA; Rosetta Owens, Delfrieda Owens, Edward Owens and Lynn Malone of Springfield, Illinois, and Judy Owens of Bloomington, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by six sisters, Joanne, Bronzella, Algerine, Wilma, Shirley and Doris; and a brother Abdul (Odell, Jr.).

Formal services will not be held at this time, but a memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where you may send the family a message of sympathy at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions to Campus Crusade for Christ are welcome.