Cornelius "Speed" Owens Sr.

Cornelius "Speed" Owens Sr. June 4, 1930 - Apr. 29, 2015 ELKHART - Cornelius "Speed" Owens Sr., 84, of Elkhart, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend departed this life at The Center For Hospice Care with his family by his side. Cornelius was born June 4, 1930 to Marvin and Deola (Walker) Owens in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Cornelius "Speed" Owens is survived by children, Ellen (Shawn) Grattenthaler of Elkhart, Cornelius (Veronica) Owens Jr. of Elkhart, Nazarine Mackey of Elkhart, Joe Mackey of Elkhart, Getrude (Thomas) Calhoun of Elkhart and Gloria Taylor of Lithonia, GA; grandchildren, Krista (Emily) Hennings, Julius Henderson, Nathan (Melanie) Grattenthaler, Jeramie Grattenthaler, Stephanie Owens, Deyahanna Styles, Kiera Owens, Dashaun Taylor, Alissa Taylor, Dontique Hooks, Kellie Hennings, Cortez Owens, Justin Creer, Cornelius E. D. Owens, Sharmaine Owens, Corieon Owens, Michael Taylor Jr., Anastashia Taylor and Dontavia (Chris) Yao; great-grandchildren, Kamari Hennings, Kamitri Hennings, Zeke Henderson, Korianna Owens, Chamile Owens, Cavion Owens, Cortez Owens Jr., Blake Kern, Nehemia Calbert, Chrishawn Yao, Michael Taylor, Mehki Taylor, Jamar Taylor, Terinae Taylor, Imani Taylor, Mishaun Taylor, Zamarian Taylor, Des'Renee Taylor and Xyla Taylor; brother, Samuel Owens of Niles, MI; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Norma Owens of Elkhart, Floyd Boykin of Elkhart, Joe Thompson of Elkhart and Louise Owens of Southfield, MI; and a special friend, Rachel Young. He was preceded in death by parents, Marvin and Deola Owens; sisters, Vivian Thompson, Elnora Boykin, and Oneida Curry; a brother, Marvin Owens, Jr.; and a daughter, Barbara Wilcox. He accepted Christ into his life at an early age. The family later moved to Elkhart in 1941. Cornelius delivered newspapers for The Chicago Daily News; swiftness and efficiently earned the nickname "Speed". He attended Elkhart High School where he was an outstanding athlete lettering in football and track & field before graduating in 1950. Speed worked at Excel Industries before enlisting into the U.S Marine Corps. After returning home he returned to Excel where he played on their softball teams. He was later inducted into the Indiana Hall Of Fame by The Amateur Softball Association of America. In 1961, Speed was hired as the first black police officer by the City Of Elkhart. With his hard work and due diligence, Speed held all positions except Chief of Police. His various assignments included: 1965 assigned to detective division, 1966 Detective Sergeant, 1984 promoted to Administration Division Chief, 1986 reassigned to Captain Uniform Division, 1988 Lieutenant Uniform Division and in 1991 he voluntarily returned to Patrol Officer Uniform Division. He only had to use his firearm a couple of times while on the police department because he felt undue force or violence could be avoided. He worked several years as security at Rainbow Lanes Bowling Alley. He retired from Elkhart Police Dept. in 1993. Later he started working as a crossing guard at Hawthorne Elementary School. Cornelius renewed his vow to Christ and was a member at Community Missionary Church. He had been a previous member of Church Of Latter Day Saints and Church Of God In Christ. Cornelius was an avid bowler and was a member in several leagues where he earned numerous trophies. He played for the Cassopolis Cutters and was a Local & National FOP member. He was a true Democrat, a Lifetime member of NAACP, a member of the Magnificent Seven, the Elkhart Police Chaplin Board and the Retired Police Breakfast Group. He enjoyed traveling all over the country, especially to Arkansas. Speed enjoyed carpentry and home repairs, watching police shows & westerns, was an animal lover and a huge Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He truly Lived - Loved - Laughed!! Speed was a very unselfish and giving man as he donated to over 225 charities all over the world, with special charities including the American Heart Association and the Elkhart Police Department Chaplin Christmas Party for Kids. Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Friday, May 8, 2015 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home and from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m. (noon), Saturday, May 9, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 53953 County Road 17, Bristol, IN 46507. Burial with military honors will follow at Rice Cemetery. It was Speed's request as a timely man that if you can't be on time, do not disturb his service. Please wait until the end to pay your respects. Online condolences may be directed to www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.