P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Robert Butler Owens
November 28, 1939 - September 12, 2024

Robert Butler Owens

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Robert Butler Owens, 84, was called Home on September 12, 2024. He was born on November 28, 1939, in Wilmar, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred McClure Owens; mother, Laura Mae Butler Owens; first wife, Charlotte Key Owens; infant daughters, Shelly and Charlotte Owens; second wife, Faye West Owens; brother, Mac Owens; and sisters, Leslie Bean and Margurite White. He is survived by a bonus sister, Laura Whitaker. He is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Bill) Gilliam, Jamie Martin, Jana (Shawn) Wright, Koby (J.J.) Bayliss; grandchildren, Dustin Barnett, Brittany (Bradley) Sears, Ethan (Brandi) Gilliam, Taylor (Heath) Swain, and Jakob Bayliss and great-grandchildren, Sawyer Sears and Beaux Swain. He also leaves behind three bonus daughters, Sheila (Brian) Watts and Tona (Dave) Wesson and Kitty Binns, as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Robert was of the Methodist faith and a member of Andrews Chapel Church. He was a former employee of AP&L, where he worked for over 30 years. A proud alumnus of Wilmar High School, he was a former basketball player and active in school activities. Before his health declined, he enjoyed attending Wilmar All School Reunions.
His interests included reading about South Arkansas history, primitive cooking methods, cookbooks, homesteading, and Western novels. In his younger days, he enjoyed woodworking, canning, and gardening. He could also be found at the river doing some fishing, camping, and squirrel hunting. He loved to fry fish.
Robert was a great cook. He could fry the best potatoes with onions and make the best homemade sauerkraut anyone could ever have. He and his wife Faye were very proud of the homemade fruitcakes they made and babied before Christmas every year.
He loved connecting with friends and reminiscing about the past and staying up-to-date on all things Wilmar School related. His final interest was in helping restore the old Wilmar School bell.
He was the family historian. If there was anything we needed to know about a family tree, an old event that had happened, who was related to whom, or basically anything, he knew the answer. He never forgot anything.
Robert was a man of few words, but he loved his family in his own way. He often recalled fondly when all of us girls lived at home. When he related the story to other people, he called us his group of magpies because we were so loud. However, he seemed to miss those days. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by his family and friends.
A special thanks to Arkansas Hospice for the care that Robert received along with his special friends, Ethan and Chaplain Alex Brown.
A visitation will be held Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel from 2:00-3:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow afterwards at 3:00 p.m. You can sign Robert's guestbook registry on this page.

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Visitation
Visitation
Sunday, September 15, 2024
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71655
Map & Directions

Service
Memorial Service
Sunday, September 15, 2024
3:00 p.m.
Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home
943 Highway 425 North
Monticello, AR  71657
Map & Directions

Interment
Wilmar Cemetery
12th St.
Wilmar, AR  71675
Map & Directions

Condolences(9)

  1. Shannon Burr
    It was honor and a privilege to have been able to care and know him. He will be missed. Praying for his family.
  2. John & Paige Stell
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. I’ll miss visiting with Robert. I’ll miss hearing him calling me “Little Bessie”. He loved my Mammaw Hill and always shared stories with me about her. We talked about all of our family. He will definitely be missed but he is also healed and with our loved ones.

    Love,
    John, Paige, and boys
  3. Jimmy & Donna Hill
    Robert will be missed by all of us. Hard to lose a 1st cousin but we know he is in a better place. Lots of memories growing up together. Love and prayers for all of you during the days ahead.

    Love,
    Jimmy & Donna
  4. Bobbie Ross
    Louise Jolley and I are so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God bless you all during this difficult time is our prayer.
  5. Beth Davis
    I'm so sad to hear about Daddy Robert. Lots of memories growing up.
    Love and prayers.
  6. Laci Harris
    Jana & Family,
    We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless !

    Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
  7. Kim Pounds
    I am so sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for peace and comfort for Mr. Owen’s family during this difficult time.
  8. stacey lockett
    so sorry to hear of Mr Owens passing. He was a lovable person and loved his family. He will be missed.

    Sympathy for pt family!!! prayers from Senior Care Staff at the Bradley County Medical Center
  9. Mary Lasiter
    To all of the family you have my deepest sympathy. I know Robert hasn't been well for a long time but he isn't in pain now. My prayers will be with you. RIP Robert.

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