Dell Owens Jr.

Captain Dell Owens Jr. was born on September 26, 1930 in Oxford, Mississippi to the union of late Dell Owens, Sr. and the late Lue Creasie (Patton) Owens-Blake.
He completed his education in the Mississippi school system. His family relocated to South Bend, Indiana and Dell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 14, 1951. He earned the rank of Captain on January 12, 1953. He also was awarded The National Defense Medal. He completed his Tour of Duty receiving an Honorable Discharge on November 6, 1953. After his fulfilling his military obligation he returned to South Bend, and enrolled in classes. He earned a certification in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). This enabled him to establish a successful business, Owens Plumbing & Heating. His love for cooking inspired him to open a restaurant which he named Dell's Barbecue formerly located on Eddy Street in South Bend. To add to his two business ventures, he also owned several rental properties on the east side.
Dell was united in marriage to Ann (McCuller) Owens who preceded him in death and he later married Bessie Emma (Avant) Owens who also preceded him in death. Dell was a Christian and was a member of the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He was also the oldest living Free and Accepted Mason of St. Peters Lodge #31 - Prince Hall Jurisdiction.
Dell passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Fountainview Care Center in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was 95 years of age.
Dell is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Roderick and Wanda Owens; bonus children, Gerard (Sharon) Newhouse, Benita Owens and Anita Owens; several grand and great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a host of other relatives; his brothers of St. Peters Lodge as well as many friends.
Along with his parents he was also preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses, Hubert (Lucille) Owens, Sr., James Owens, Artisha (Adele) Newbill, Louise (Hartie) Blake, Early (Hobert) Shelton, Oleavia (Johnnie) Lottie, Edna "Dolly" (James) Cobb and Christine (Jake) Garth; two bonus sons, Dougie Owens and Frederick Owens and a daughter in law, Judy Owens.
Funeral Services will begin at 11:30am with military honors on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN where family and friends may gather at 11:00 am.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomescom