Robert Fleming Owen, Sr.

Robert Fleming Owen, Sr., known to friends as Bob, to his parents as Bud, and to his cousins and extended family as Sonny, passed away on October 19, 2025, in Prattville, Alabama, after a lengthy illness. He was born on March 30, 1936, in Selma, Alabama, to W.P. (“Pat”) Owen and Wynelle (“Nell”) Owen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Martha R. Owen, and his grandson Wellesley Owen. He is survived by his two children, Robert F. Owen, Jr. (“Bobby”) and Elizabeth LeAnne Owen (“LeAnne”); his daughter-in-law, Cristi Owen; his granddaughter, Cafferty Caldwell Owen; and his first cousins Jake Shanahan and Joyce Owen, who were more like siblings than cousins to him.

Robert was a graduate of Parrish High School, where he played trumpet in the band. He went on to attend Auburn University, where he majored in civil engineering and participated in the ROTC program. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Army, rising through the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Captain. It was while stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, that he met the love of his life, Martha—fittingly, at church. They married three years later and welcomed their son, Bobby, while living in Demopolis, and their daughter, LeAnne, after returning home to Selma.

Robert loved his family, his church, and his alma mater, Auburn University, whose Tigers football team was the source of much of his joy—and occasional heartbreak—over the years. A devoted fan and season ticket holder for 65 years, he proudly transformed his garage into the ultimate Auburn room long before “man caves” became a thing. Section 29 lost a great one.

A man of deep faith, Robert served as a deacon, sang tenor in the church choir, and taught Sunday School for more than sixty years—first leading the 4th-grade boys and later the Maverick Class, which he taught faithfully up until the day of his stroke. He had a big voice, a bigger personality, and an abiding love for people.Later in life, Robert and his wife Martha opened Diversified Nursing Services, a continuing education company for nurses, where he was known for warming up every class with jokes and laughter. He never met a stranger and had a gift for turning chance encounters into lasting friendships.

He will be remembered for his love of Auburn football, his humor, his faith, and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. His favorite hymn, “How Great Thou Art,” was more than a song to him—it was the way he saw the world.

Graveside services will be Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Pineview Memory Gardens with Dr. Timothy Mathis officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home of Selma directing. Visitation will begin at the funeral home in Selma at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service.