Thomas C. Owens Sr.

Thomas C. Owens Sr. 81, died at 3:30 P.M., Saturday at home with his family beside him, after a courageous six-year battle against lymphoma. His positive attitude, determination and desire to live to care for his family were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was born December 8, 1924, in Youngstown, the son of the late Cecil Owens and Beatrice Beardmore Owens. He grew up with Mill Creek Park as his playground and developed a deep love of nature and the outdoors. Tom enlisted in the Navy during WWII and served as a gunner aboard Liberty ships. His ship arrived in port in New York City on August 15, 1945. He saw a huge crowd in Times Square and went to investigate. It was the celebration of VJ Day and he was in the uncropped version of the famous “Kissing Picture”. He graduated from South High School and attended Youngstown College for four years as an art major. He worked in visual merchandising for the former Klines Department store, J.C.Penny Company, and the former Carlisle’s in Niles. He later sold furniture for the Haber’s, Furnitureland, and Sleep Rite. He held a retirement job for 18 years as custodian of Calvary Baptist Church, retiring in March, 2003. Tom was an avid fly fisherman for trout. He also enjoyed camping, especially in Cook Forest, PA., enjoyed seeing deer and other wildlife. He was a very selfless man whose family meant everything to him. He was a member of Calla Community Church. Tom leaves his wife, Gail Gearhart Owens, whom he married on June 29, 1963, a son Thomas C. Jr. (Robin) of Davidson, NC., a daughter Abigail (Matthew) Leskovec of Eastlake, OH. His three beautiful granddaughters, twins Grace Christine and Anna Cecile Owens of Davidson, NC. And his Katie (Katherine Nicole) Leskovec of Eastlake, OH and his brother in law and friend, Harry Robinson, of Boardman, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his three sisters, Sue Robinson, Eva Minor, and Leone who was killed in a automobile accident as a child. Friends may call from 4-7 pm Monday at the Lane Funeral Home Canfield Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 am from the Calla Church with Rev. Van Chiles officiating, where friends may call from 10-11 am prior to services. Burial will be in Forest Lawn cemetery