“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Deacon Charles N. Owens, Jr., born September 7, 1961, in Ashland Kentucky to Charles N Owens, Sr. and the late Cornella D. Claytor Owens. Soon after, the Owens family moved and continued to reside in Columbus, Ohio where Charles Jr., at an early age gave his life to Christ.
He attended Columbus Public schools and graduated from South High School. He loved to play sports and accepted a football scholarship to the Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville, Tennessee in 1979 where he earned his nickname “Papa Tiger” or “Papa T”. Being both an avid sports and music lover, he divided his time at TSU earning a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, playing football, singing with the TSU Minstrel Singers and as a percussionist for the TSU Aristocrat of Bands. He continued to foster his love for music as a drummer throughout his life for Love Zion and Serenity Baptist Churches.
“Charlie” was as an outgoing kid and his enthusiasm for people continued throughout his life. Charles loved imparting his wisdom with others – especially children. He also had a love for law enforcement and trained and worked with the State of Ohio Highway Patrol, Circleville Juvenile Correctional and TICO under the Department of Youth Services until he retired in 2003. After retirement from the State of Ohio, he began to use his natural charms in Sales in men’s fashion and furniture. Keeping a focus on his family’s well-being, he remained in sales with Morris Furniture until his Father called him home.
With his charming, charismatic, loving and outgoing personality, he met his college sweetheart, LaNita Hooks, and serenaded her on the piano with his own rendition of the song “Ribbon in the Sky”. They later married on December 8, 1984 and were blessed with three beautiful daughters.
Charles and his family joined Love Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Jesse L. Wood and worked out his soul salvation for the Lord, singing in the men’s chorus and later ordained as a deacon. He later joined Serenity Baptist Church and was later ordained to become the one and only deacon at Serenity Baptist Church.
He’s preceded in death by his mother, Cornella D. Owens; uncle, George Claytor; aunt, Maxine Merritt; sister-n-law, Crystal Hooks Henry; first cousins, Mose and Stacy Dickerson.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, LaNita Hooks Owens; daughters, Shemitra (Elvin) Goode, Shavondra and Sher-Lisa Owens, Tea Blackmon; two grandsons, Micah and Malik Owens; grand-daughter, Le’Honesty Blackmon (all from Columbus, OH); Father, Charles (Wanda) Owens, Sr.; sister, Stephanie Henry (all of Columbus, OH), Vickey (Daryl) Miller; aunts, Constance Cannon (Huntington, WV) Connie (Mose) Dickerson (Montgomery, AL), Doris Taul, Patricia Woods; uncle, Robert Owens (all of Columbus, OH), goddaughters, Amber Bass (Atlanta, GA), De’Azia Glanton (Orlando FL); nieces, Courtney Henry, Jasmine Walls (Columbus, OH), Veneitra (Dustin) Smith (Birmingham, AL); nephews, Cornell (Keira) Owens, (Atlanta, GA), Christian Hooks, Cortez (Jenae) Henry, (Columbus, OH); a host of countless cousins, relatives and friends.
Evening Visitation Friday, June 14, 2019 at 6:00pm-8:00pm at Serenity Baptist Church 1402 Smith Rd. and Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Visitation 9am Funeral 10am Smyrna Baptist Church 1650 Wilson Ave.
Interment Glen Rest Cemetery
Dearest Owens Family, My name is Teresa Richardson. I am the Director of Sales at Morris Home. I can not tell you how valuable Charles was to our work family. He will truly be missed immensely! The love that he shared with you he shared with us as well. His smile infectious, his soul ever so kind and the love he had for all of you gave me the biggest smiles. I know this will be hard for you, but know the love you shared is rare and I pray God bless you always as your Charles did us. I will never forget DAN… DAILY AFTERNOON NAP.
Rest in heavenly Peace my friend, Charles.
There are no words to express the sorrow in our hearts. Please except our deepest. In times of distress we need comfort that soothes the heart. May the peace of God guard your hearts. Thoughts of peace.
I’m very sorry for the passing of PapaT,,my condolences to the family and those whose lives were touch by him. Our Creator promises soon he will resurrect the dead.He want you to be able to embrace your loved one again.Then that pain in your heart will be healed forever!.John 5:28,29;Revelations 21,3-5.
I am so sorry to hear about Charles passing. In the time I worked with him at Ashley furniture, he served as co-worker, mentor,counselor, and friend. There was light in his smile and this world is a little lesser for him not being in it. My prayers are with the family.
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Owens as my husband called him, we worked with him at TICO and it was indeed a pleasure to know him. Our condolences to the Family , he will be missed ❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss. Charles is like another brother in my TSU family. My heart hurts. I am praying for you LaNita and girls. Please know that I love you all and am here for you.
My deepest condolences to the family! I met him one time and he was so welcoming. May God give his family and friends the peace and comfort they need
LaNita & Family,
I was so upset to hear of Charles passing. He was such a good man. So kind to me. We took to each other very quickly. I was happy to call him friend.
I miss him dearly. May the Lord be with you and your family.
Dawn & Rich DiCenso (Dawn from Morris)
I would like to extend my most deepest, and heartfelt condolences to the Owens family. Charles was such a good man, very kind spirited, and loving to everyone. Sending my prayers and love. May God comfort, and keep you all during this most difficult time.
LaNita and family-
I am saddened and sorry for your loss. May God give you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.
To LaNita and the girls… I was devastated to hear about Charles Jr. passing. I just kept thinking about Sunday dinners at my mom’s house.. and the Christmas’ and me and little Dylan hanging out at your house with you all and the girls. He would always give me advice , he was never was judgmental, always gentle , always loving, always kind, always funny.. He was like a Dad/ Big brother/ Uncle all wrapped up in one for me.. He certainly Will be missed. I love you all and I’m praying for the entire family . Love you, Mimi
The South High School Alumni Association and its Board of Directors want to express our sympathy and send condolences at the death of your loved one. Our entire South High School family is diminished by his passing.
To the family, I send my deepest condolences to you all. I pray that God will grant each of you the strength to endure in your time of loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To the FAMILY OF MR. CHARLES OWENS …I’m devastated in regards of this news…Mr. Owens was a GENTLEMAN OF THE HIGHEST CALIBER…with whom I had the pleasure of working with @ Harold Pener’s Men’s Fashion…years ago…The peaceful aura of Mr. Owens will forever be fondly remembered
It was with a sad heart that I learned of the passing of Charles. I met Charles years ago when he was looking for a new career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Charles was a good man and the last I saw him was at Ashley Furniture. I was proud to hear him tell me he was the manager. Charles was always upbeat, outgoing and a pleasure to sit and carry on a conversation with. His smile was his trademark I shall always remember the kindness and good hearted nature. I know he sits with God. May God Bless and Keep Charles and his wonderful family.
To the Owens Family,
Please accept my condelences. May God Bless you now and always.