Robert Dean Owens was born on April 24, 1928 to John Robert and Goldie Louise (Rash) Owens in rural Lucas County. He passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at the age of ninety years at the Legacy Lodge Hospice located in Chariton, Iowa, where he had been since mid-October.
Bob attended country school and graduated from the Derby High School in 1946. After high school, he served the U.S. Navy for two years. He received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1948.
Bob was united in marriage to Jayne Marie Vairo on March 27, 1952. To this union four children were born: Jacque, Bob, Don, and Kristy.
Bob worked with his dad on the farm for a time before and after getting married. Then he was a milk delivery man around Chariton, until going to work for the Hy-Vee Warehouse in 1959. In 1961, he transferred to the Hy-Vee Des Moines Store #1. Bob left Hy-Vee for a few years to drive a bread truck for the Sunbeam Bakery. He returned to Hy-Vee in 1967 and mostly drove semi-trailers for them until his retirement in early 1995.
Bob enjoyed his family very much, remaining especially close to his three siblings. They shared regular phone calls, get togethers for holidays, special occasions, and birthdays. Bob was a great role model to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed working around the house, doing yard work, watching Hawkeye football, and had an amazing garden as long as he was able.
Bob had many friends he enjoyed getting together with at Hardees, Hy-Vee, the Senior Citizen Center, and spent many Saturday’s “Dancing” in Woodburn.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Goldie; his wife, Jayne; his grandson, Kyl Robert Scieszinski; his brothers, Rod and Norm; and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Bob is survived by his children,
Jacque King
Carie (Charlie) Black
Cayde
Kamie (Tim) Van Otterloo
Colin and Hayden
Bob (Dawn) Owens
Shawn (Randi) Owens
Darrien, Skyler, and Kylie
Karri (Owen) McConville
Annmarie and Owen Paul
Don Owens
Jessie Dotts
Knyle and McKinley
Kristy (Jeff) Halferty
Josh (Kelly) Willey
Emmitt and Lane
Stephanie (Scott) Williams
Owen, Evan, Ian and Elin
Zach Halferty
Alexandria
Sister, Mary Lou Jacobs; several brothers and sisters-in-law; extended family and friends. Bob was a great visitor and listener, who never met a stranger. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
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