Joseph Owens II, age 66, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at his home.
Joseph was born October 23, 1950 in Columbia, MO, the son of Joseph H. Owens I and Helen L. (Hombs) Owens.
Joseph grew up and attended School in Sullivan, MO. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1968. Joseph was a natural athlete and that was made evident as he excelled at many sports throughout his school years. These sports included: basketball, track, football and baseball. Just this past fall, Joseph was recognized on the Sullivan football field for being a member of the first Sullivan High School football team. After graduating High School, Joseph attended SMSU to study Business Administration. While attending college, he became a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. Following college, Joseph moved back to Sullivan and joined his father in working for Meramec Lumber Co.
In 1977, Joseph moved to Texas. This is where he began his family with his first wife, Jane. From this union came his two daughters; Alison and Natalie. In 1990, Joseph moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he pursued his dream of entrepreneurship.
In 2010, Joseph was blessed with his first grandson, Evan. Over the next seven years, he was blessed with four more grandsons: George, Jack, Beckett and Thomas.
Joseph was a fun and loving father and friend. His personality and positive disposition on life made it easy for him to make friends wherever he was. Joseph had a true passion for music and taught himself how to play the guitar. He was an inspiration in his nephew’s eyes.
In 2014, Joseph moved back to Sullivan to enjoy retirement with his family and lifelong friends. Over the years, he enjoyed regular fishing trips with his high school friends and brother-in-law, Ron. Joseph also had a passion for boating and owned several of his own over the years. At one point, he even owned his own boat dealership. He enjoyed traveling with his family; his favorite destination was the beach.
Joseph is survived by two daughters Alison (Eric) Bramlett of Austin, TX, Natalie (Stephen) Moss of Tulsa, OK; one sister Jayne (Ron) Mastin of Sullivan; five grandchildren: Evan, George, Jack and Thomas Moss and Beckett Bramlett; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph Hugh Owens I and Helen L. (Hombs) Owens and a sister; Helen Kaye Owens Krygiel.
A memorial service was conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Monday evening at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan (Ambassadors fund).
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home Sullivan and Bourbon.