December 28, 2024

Lawrence E. Owens, age 80, died April 16, 2017 at Wheatridge Park Care Center, KS. He was born February 17, 1937 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Bessie Owens.

He Graduated from ICS Newport Pacific High School, where he obtained his GED in 1998. He married Katherine Cohens on December 8, 1989 in Liberal. She survives. 
He worked at Stu Emmert’s in the body shop for 17 years, as a truck driver for Yellow Freight for 20 years, and then for the Seward County Road and Bridge Department, where he retired after 35 years of service. 

He was Chairman Deacon, Assistant Treasurer and Sunday School Teacher and Teacher of Men’s Layman Class at New Community Baptist Church. He was also a Master of the Masonic Lodge. 

Survivors include
2 sons Lafayette Owens (Shawkrice) Des Moines, IA
Robert James Jr. Ponca City, OK
9 Daughters Asondias “Boo” Johnson Arlington, TX
Cynthia Owens Oak Ridge, TN
Audrea Leisa Owens Pine Bluff, AR
Lonce Etta Owens Arlington, TX
Marie Holman Smyrna, GA
Nettie Lee James Liberal, KS
Connie Lashell James Topeka, KS
Petita (Tina) James Wichita, KS
Debra Wilburn (Luster) Olathe, KS

A special granddaughter, Kiffany Stevenson of Liberal, KS

27 grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bessie Owens, Brothers Walter and Luther Owens, 3 other brothers, and a sister, Geraldine Montgomery. 

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am, Friday, April 21, 2017 at the New Community Baptist Church, Liberal, KS with Pastor Timothy McCauley presiding. Burial will follow in Liberal Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 19th from 1-5 pm, and Thursday, April 20th from 9am -8pm at Brenneman Funeral Home. The family will be present for the wake from 6-8pm Thursday.

Memorial contributions may made to the Lawrence Owens Memorial Fund, in care of the Brenneman Funeral Home 1212 W. 2nd Liberal, KS 67901.