Robert James Owens

ROBERT JAMES OWENS, 53,  the second oldest of five children, was born April 26, 1967 to Robert J. Owens Sr. and Patricia L. Lewis Owens.  Robert passed away peacefully and entered into the arms of God January 5, 2021.

Robert confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at Little Bethel Baptist Church where his late grandfather was Associate Minister (George Lewis Sr.).  Robert attended Sunday School regularly, Bible School and summer programs.  Robert loved God and often ministered to others.

Robert started his education at an early age, being one of the first students of the Head Start Beginners School.  Robert attended public School #92, Forest Manor Middle School and Arlington High School graduating 1986.

Robert played football in middle school and high school where he was #1 Star running back and captain of the football team.  Robert received many trophies and awards.

Robert loved to DJ starting in high school.  He had music equipment larger than his bedroom.  There was barely enough room for his bed.  He would squeeze his buddies in there where they would scratch records all day.  Robert then moved to DJ many events and was well known in Indianapolis, Indiana as “DJ Rob”.

Robert was a kind and loving spirit.  His siblings and family members and friends looked up to him and loved him.  Robert was a good listener, and he was always ready to give good advice.  Robert was very patient, and he loved to joke and laugh and keep the peace.

Robert met and married Erica Thompson in 1989.  From this union two children were born; one son, DeAndre Owens and one daughter, Kenya Owens.  Robert absolutely loved his children.  Later, Robert had one additional son, Robert Sherrell, whom he also loved.

Robert entered into the military (Army) serving at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a sharpshooter.  Robert had to leave the military with a honorable discharge because of health problems.

Robert later pursued a career in the transit system where he drove city buses in Indianapolis, Indiana as well as Atlanta, Georgia.  Robert also drove for trucking companies.  Robert also loved to cook.  He was in the food industry where he was a chef.  He prepared many dishes.   He would make a meal out of whatever was in the kitchen.  Everything he cooked was delicious!

Robert, later on in life, moved into Veterans Building, where he lived until his passing.  Robert enjoyed his apartment and the residents.  Robert was loved by everyone there, mostly the girls in the office.  They looked out for him and they loved him, treating him like a brother, scolding him and hugging him at the same time.  Robert often sat in the Community Room along with the residents watching TV and shooting the breeze.  Once, the Property Manager said she went in there and Robert was preparing lunch for the residents.  Robert often DJ’d many events in that room.  He loved “old school” music, gospel and a little rap.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Owens Sr., grandmothers, Ethel Lewis Fowlkes and Lula Owens; grandfathers, George W. Lewis Sr. and Jesse Owens Sr.; five uncles and three aunties.

Robert leaves to cherish his mother, Patricia Paschall; his children, DeAndre and Kenya Owens and Robert Sherrell; one grandson, Malachi; three sisters, Dorene Lewis, Sheila Stroder (Luther) and Nina Owens; one brother, Rodney Owens: nine uncle and aunties; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services are private due to COVID-19.

You may live stream:    https://youtu.be/Q884sllcCmo