Cecil Owens

Cecil Owens, a longtime resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at his home at the age of 94 years old.
Cecil was born April 1, 1923, in Lawrence, Missouri. He was the son of William L. and Martha E. (Lassley) Owens. At a young age, Cecil moved with his parents to Cleveland, Oklahoma. The family later moved in the early 1930’s to Arizona. In 1937, they returned to Oklahoma. Cecil later joined the United States Army in October 11, 1945. Cecil remained in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged in November 7, 1946. Cecil returned to Cleveland and was united in marriage on June 27, 1944, to the love of his life, M. Louise Killingsworth. The couple caught the midnight train to Bartlesville for their honeymoon. The couple established their home in Cleveland where they raised their four daughters. Cecil gained employment with Johnson Refinery which was later purchased by Kerr-McGee. In the early 1970’s Cecil was transferred to Wynnewood, Oklahoma. They remained in Wynnewood until 1986, when Cecil retired. The two returned to Cleveland where he has continued to reside.
Cecil was very active working around his home. He enjoyed tending to his yard, garden, and growing flowers. Cecil walked five miles daily for many years around the neighborhood and Feyodi Park enjoying the wildlife. He always enjoyed the opportunity to go fishing anytime he could. Traveling with Louise in their travel trailer to Birch Lake was always a time that he looked forward to. Cecil was an important part of establishing the Cleveland Round Up Club and spent many hours volunteering to keep it up and operational. FFA, as well as 4H/FHA, was very important to Cecil as he was an avid supporter. Cecil enjoyed football and supported the Cleveland Tigers. Cecil was an OU Sooner, Dallas Cowboy, Denver Bronco and OKC Thunder Basketball. He was a 70 year member of the American Legion and served as Commander. Cecil was also known for his cooking abilities and keeping “Herman” going from 1981 till the late 1990’s. Cecil was very instrumental in the iconic symbol of Cleveland; the American Flag that is flown south of town on the hill. He helped maintain the flag as well as helped put out the American Flags out for special events on main street for many years. Most of all in life Cecil loved being with his family and loved the Lord immensely as well as being an active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Cleveland for many years.
Survivors are his three daughters Gladys Coleman and her husband Bill of McLoud, Oklahoma, Marsha Bartley of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Cecilia Austell and her husband Lonnie of Stillwater, Oklahoma; two sisters in laws Sherry Owens of Osage, Oklahoma, Barbara Owens of Huntsville, Alabama; twelve grandchildren Marvin Lee Marshall and his wife Rachel, Rachella Louise (Shelly) Hopkins, Tim Stinson and his wife Jennifer, Brian Coleman and his wife Kelly, Brad Coleman and his wife Lisa, Jason Len Bartley and his wife Sarah, Jeremy Leigh Bartley and his wife Amber, LaReina Gayle Bartley and her fiancé Will Garret, Crystal RayAnn Austell and Ryan Phillips, Courtney Victoria Ellis and her husband T.J., Caleb Lowery and his wife Jennifer, Shannon Lowery; twenty-three great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends that will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Louise, daughter Linda Owens; sister, Georgia Gwin; and eleven brothers Clell, Arley, William, Weldon, Carl, Leo, Claude, Wayne, Kenneth and twin boys at birth and a son in law Dick Bartley.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday at the First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Dan Edens officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery with Military Honors performed by the VFW Fifth District Rifle Team under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family online at www.chapman-black.com.
Pallbearers will include Marvin Lee Marshall, Jason Bartley, Jeremy Bartley, Brad Coleman, T.J. Ellis, Ryan Phillips, Brandon Hopkins and Will Garret.