"A Life of Service and Servanthood"

Elder Larry Joe Owens

On October 4, 1948, The Lord blessed the union of J.C. and Mattie B. Owens with a handsome son, whom they named, Larry Joe. He would be one of five siblings. Larry and all his siblings, Terry Owens, J.W. Owens, Robert Johnson (all of which processed him in transition) and his only sister, Janice Owens (Webster), were reared and nurtured in Whitewright, Texas.

At a tender age, Larry recognized Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and accepted Him into his heart. He and his family were members of the Starks Chapel CME Church, in Pilot Grove, Texas.

Larry attended the public-school system of Whitewright and continued his formal education at the historic Fredrick Douglass High School, becoming 1967 Alumni, the last class to stroll the purple and gold . Following graduation, our Beloved was drafted into the United States Army where he served actively in the Vietnam War. While proudly serving his country, he obtained the rank of Sergeant, and awarded the National Defense Service Award, the Vietnam Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and an Air Medal. Post serving his country, with the need to serve yet resting on his heart, Larry enrolled in Grayson College earning his certification as a License Vocational Nurse, which led to his life's career as a Master Firefighter/EMT for the City of Sherman for 29 years. During this time, he also worked for the Sears & Roebuck Company, which he was proudly retired after over 25 years of faithful services.

Brother Owens was known for his impeccable work ethic and willingness to serve. Though, no labor would be as important as the work that was done for The Lord. He was a faithful and devoted member of Array Olive COGIC and now currently The Greater Coffey Memorial COGIC. He served tirelessly in many capacities, such as the Sunday School Superintendent, a member of the Brotherhood, Deacons Board, choir, and the finance department. Deacon Owens could always be found exuding the things of Christ. He not only was a hearer of His word, but a follower and doer of His word. He answered his call into the ministry in 2000 under the leadership of Elder Michael Clerkley, Sr. A few years later, he was ordained as an elder under the late Bishop J. Neaul Haynes, earning the title of valedictorian of his ordination class. The passion for the things of Jesus Christ was evident as he never ceased a moment to love God's work and His people.

Those that remain to celebrate his homegoing and cherish fond memories: His loving wife, Debi Owens; his children: Alisha Owens, Christopher Owens, Larry D. Owens (Willmetta), Drew Owens (Whitney); 14 grandchildren, and one great grandchild all of Colorado; one sister, Janice Webster of Dallas, TX; his devoted extended family; Dawn Mitchell (Jesse), Brian Dennis (Deleez), Tamara Williams, our beloved Jordan Hampton; 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren; his church family, The Greater Coffey Memorial Church Of God In Christ; a host of relatives and dear friends.

Elder Larry J. Owens, age 71, heard the voice of God the Father calling his name as he lay in bed at the Dallas V.A. Medical Center.

Being obedient to his Lord and Savior just as the sun was going down, Larry looked up to the everlasting Son thus leaving his earthly house on Monday, July 6, 2020 and entered into his eternal home to be with God the Father.

Public viewing (come and go) will be Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from 2:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Waldo Funeral Home.

Celebration services for family and close friends will be Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 11 o'clock A.M. in the Greater Coffey Memorial Church of God in Christ, 231 W. Texas St., Denison, TX.  Supt. James Hunt, Jr. will officiate, and the eulogy will be delivered by Supt. Michael Clerkley, Sr.

The sacred ground of Cedarlawn Memorial Park is where Elder Owens will be placed in his earthly bed.

COVED -19 GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED

Arrangements entrusted to his longtime friend, James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the guestbook and read the full obituary at www.waldofuneralhome.com.