Dr. Robert Cecil Owen

Dr. Robert Cecil Owen, D.D.S., also lovingly referred to by those close to him as Bob or Doc, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday August 14, 2009. He was born in Duncan, Okla. on February 28, 1923 to Walter C. and Elizabeth Anne Owen. Doc was always a true entrepreneur at heart. At the age of 14 he had already bought and sold his first Model T Ford and used the proceeds to open his own salvage yard that eventually became the largest in its area. He was also the top salesperson at his father's dealership before graduating from Bristow High School. He then attended Central State College and Oklahoma State University before entering Dental School at the University of Missouri Kansas City, where he earned his degree in 1946. After graduation Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corp, assigned to Hamilton Field, San Rafael, California, 2nd Lieutenant. Retiring as a Captain, he returned to his home state, to open his own private dental practice in Oklahoma City. Even being one of the youngest practicing dentists in the state he was quickly revered as one of the premier talents in the southwest. During Dr. Robert Owen's distinguished career, he served as President, Speaker of the House, a member of the Crown Club, and the Gold Crown Club, all of the Oklahoma Dental Association. He also held positions with the University of Missouri Kansas City Dental School as President of the Board of Regents, receiving two awards for "Professional Service" and "Outstanding Alumnus of the Year". He pioneered the use of general anesthetics for dental purposes throughout the state of Oklahoma. He held memberships with the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Federal Dentaire International, and the International College of Dentistry. He enjoyed lecturing locally and abroad in places including Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, England, India, Spain, Russia, and Mexico. Bob had many passions in his life. He enjoyed Oklahoma football, traveling, and spending weekends with his family cruising around Grand Lake. Ironically, although Bob attended OSU, he was an avid OU fan. He never missed a home game, OU-Texas weekend, a Big 12 championship game, or a bowl game. What Bob enjoyed most was traveling the world with his wife JoAnn. Some of his favorite vacations with his wife JoAnn included riding an elephant into the Taj Mahal, walking across the Great Wall of China, visiting Russia when it was still a communist country, and wandering around the streets of New York City while staying at his favorite hotel, The Plaza. He also enjoyed taking his children and stepdaughter on numerous trips to places across Mexico. Bob was happiest lying on a beach, playing gin while enjoying drinks complete with paper umbrellas.  Bob took a great deal of personal satisfaction and pride in encouraging others to reach their goals and dreams, and in helping to make a difference in a community that he lived so much. Dr. Owen is survived by his loving, wife of 32 years, JoAnn Bryant Owen, stepdaughter Beth Bowman, as well as his four children from a previous marriage: Gregory R. Owen, Alan D. Owen, Jon M. Owen, and Peggy A. Owen. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Amy O. Wilkins, and husband William from Raleigh, N.C., Stephanie, Teresa, Alex, and Michael Owen of Hadley, Pa. He is survived by two great grandchildren: William Ezra Jr. and Mary-Brooks Wilkins both of Raleigh, N.C. To celebrate a life well lived, services for Dr. Owen will be held at 2 pm on Thursday August 20 at City Church, 136 N.W. 10th in Oklahoma City. The interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, Okla.