Robert E. Owen Sr. 1935-2024

Bob was born Dec. 29, 1935, in East Liverpool, the only child of Clarence and Bernadette Arnold Owen. He was raised in East Liverpool and graduated from East Liverpool High School, the “home of the Potters.” Although he lived most of his adult life elsewhere, Bob had fond memories of his hometown, its legacy of pottery making and its small-town charm. He was very proud of past generations of family who worked and flourished in the potteries. A keen historian, Bob made sure that his family knew that they had remarkable ancestors. He passed on their life stories to inspire and encourage the next generation.

Bob married his hometown “sweetheart,” Betty Jean Walter, in 1954. This past July, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Bob and Betty built a great life together, united by shared values of family, hard work, generosity and perseverance through hardship. Together they built a marriage and life that greatly inspired those around them.

After years of working two jobs while attending college and raising a family, Bob graduated from Youngstown College (which later became Youngstown State University). Early in his career, Bob worked in finance at City Loan and Commercial Credit. He excelled as a loan officer, helping home buyers, car buyers and small business owners with their purchases. During those years, Bob and Betty worked side by side through his many career advancements to perfect the art of job relocation. Every couple of years brought a new home and a new adventure for his family. Bob worked the last 20-plus years of his career as a paralegal with Nadler, Nadler & Burdman law firm in Youngstown. He greatly enjoyed this part of his career and he spent many hours reading through his Daily Legal News (much to Betty’s dismay, those newspapers would just keep piling up!). Bob, however, loved his work and had a great work ethic.

He was also a self-taught investor who kept up on all the stock market news, an avid reader of The Vindicator and the Wall Street Journal (the paper piles keep growing), and a huge fan of Youngstown State football and basketball. He and Betty had season tickets for YSU football for more than 35 years and he wore his red YSU Penguins cap and jacket with pride. A beautiful fall day at the football stadium with a good marching band playing in the background was a perfect day in Bob’s book.

Bob was known for his extremely firm businessman handshake. This was a key skill that he strove to pass on to his grandkids. He would stress the importance of a firm handshake and a direct look in the eye when you greet someone. This could sometimes be a slightly painful lesson to learn. Last, but certainly not least, he loved Santa Claus and the holidays. At every family Christmas gathering, Bob would take off the businessman cap, and to the delight and surprise of his family, he would put on a Santa hat, and with a booming voice, would create lasting family memories for his children and grandchildren.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Bob’s love of dogs. He was a doggy dad who tried many times to sneak his little Maltese pup, Marmie, into stores and restaurants under his coat. This little bundle of love was a key part of Bob and Betty’s home for 18 years.

In addition to Betty Jean, his beloved wife and helpmate through life, Bob leaves behind three children: his son, Robert Owen Jr. of Canfield; and daughters, Gretchen (Kris) Sandlund of Zanesville and Betsy (Dan) Pecchia of Canfield. His legacy continues through the families of his 12 grandchildren, Stephen, Timothy (Jenna), Emily and Jonathan Sandlund, Elizabeth (Kevin) Chandler, Andy (Melanie) and Erich (Jael) Owen, Galina (Micha) Pfister, Michelle (Seraiah) Walter, and Sara, Benjamin (Carlyn) and Nathan Pecchia; and his 28 great-grandchildren.

If, as Proverbs 17:6 says, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers,” then Bob had many crowns!

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant daughter, Diana Lynn.

In the last season of his life, Bob battled dementia. He waged that battle fiercely with strength, stubbornness, gratitude, Daniel O’Donnell music and lots of hilarious commentary.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley and the staff at Victoria House, where Bob spent his last few months, for their kindness and for encouraging him to raise his voice in song.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bob’s life 4 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 3701 Starr Centre Drive, Canfield, with a funeral service to follow at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for any donations to be made to Family Radio (www.familyradio.org/donate/), which Bob thoroughly enjoyed for hours on end.

This obituary can be shared and condolences sent to the family by visiting www.higgins-reardon.com.

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