In Memory and Tribute to Bob F. Owen

The ancient wise man opined that “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting” (Eccl.7:2).

This sentiment was never more evident and applicable than in our attendance at the memorial service for Bob F. Owen this past Saturday at the Temple Terrace Church of Christ.

The service honoring Bob, who passed away on April 13, 2024, at 94 years old, was more a celebration of a life well lived than a typical funeral service. Reflecting on Bob’s life flooded my heart with many wonderful memories.

I first met bro. Owen as a teenager, probably about 14 or 15, when my parents and I attended a Gospel Meeting he was holding in Greencastle, Indiana. Even as a kid, I recognized his speaking style was unique, engaging, conversational, and captivating. He began speaking by telling a story that quickly captured our attention before he paused to welcome the audience and state the title of his lesson.

Bob’s sermon was uniquely titled “Some Things in Hell that Ought to be in the Church.” I took notes. And soon “borrowed” the lesson to present in my early days as a boy preacher, and even used it for several years when I began full time ministry.

When I enrolled at Florida College I signed up for Bob’s speech class. Like many other students, he quickly became one of my mentors in teaching me how to outline and present a speech or sermon to connect with your audience. While he taught from the text book, his best teaching was by example as he applied the principles he espoused.

Bob was also the Dean of students in my first two years. I can say that in my Freshman year Bob and I became very close as I visited his office frequently. (Ahem). On one occasion as I was summoned for what I deemed to be “minor infraction,” I pleaded my case and ranted that the rule was ridiculous. Furthermore, while my parents were strict, because of my “maturity” and responsibility they allowed me much more freedom than the college permitted.

As I offered what I thought was an air tight defense, Bob sat back in his office chair, as he often did, and twirled a pencil between his fingers. After listening with a somewhat bemused expression on his face, he reminded me that I had signed an admission form stating I would obey the rules. Furthermore, he suggested that even if I felt the rule was unfair there was a Bible principle that applied to this situation from I Peter 2:18. “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.”

He said Florida College was the master and I was the servant. Even if I thought FC and the rule  was harsh, I was required to submit. Case closed. He had trapped me with scripture. However, in all his dealing as Dean I found him to be fair, kind, gentle, and usually meting out punishment with a story and good humor.

In coming years as he moved from Dean, to Business Administrator, to Assistant to the President and eventually President of Florida College, I found Bob to be available, approachable, and willing to offer wise counsel. On one occasion, I requested an appointment to discuss a problem I was facing in the congregation where I preached. He listened compassionately, empathized with my situation, and offered solid advice.

Norma Jean and I met and dated while at FC. Bob, and his lovely wife Janelle, who was the love of his life, were always very warm and gracious to us. After we were married and would return to Temple Terrace for the FC Lectures, we always looked forward to an invitation to their home. Their hospitality was legendary.

Later when we moved back to Tampa, I was invited to join the Tampa North Rotary Club where Bob was a long time member. For 10 years we enjoyed a weekly lunch together and many good times in various functions. The original motto of Rotary was “He Profits Most Who Serves Best.” In later years, it simply became “Service Above Self.” Both slogans well describe Bob Owen’s service to the Lord, his brethren, and his fellow man.

In addition to preaching the gospel both in local churches and around the world, Bob not only served in the Rotary Club, but also the Civitan Club, and served several terms as a City Councilman in Temple Terrace.

After retiring as President of Florida College, Bob found a new calling, going to and supporting others to spread the gospel in Ethiopia. For over 20 years his influence resulted in the planting and growth of churches in that country that today numbers over 300.

In the memorial service Saturday, gospel preachers, Don Truex, Steve Patton, and Melvin Curry, who is over 90 years old himself, spoke of Bob’s positive influence to all who knew him. He was described as faithful. Friendly. Gentle. Graceful. Kind. Wise. Eloquent. Devout. A patriarch. A living legend. And a stalwart for Truth. In addition to those admirable qualities Bob was an excellent athlete and an avid golfer.

It was said that Bob’s go to scripture when asked for advice was often Philippians 4:5. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Indeed Bob was gentle. And a gentleman.

Don Truex recounted advice that his own father often offered in a three word phrase–”leave things better.” He suggested that epitomized Bob Owen. Every where he went and in all that he did Bob left things better. And the world of those who knew Bob is better because of his life and example.

To his daughter, Jeni, and son, Scott, as well as their families we offer our condolences. We share in your sorrow at Bob’s passing, but also rejoice in the hope in which Bob Owen lived and died.

Rest in peace, beloved brother. “The Lord is near.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman