Obituary for Joseph F. Owens
Joseph Francis Owens, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather; beloved Arcade barber for over 50 years; actively served Arcade and Church communities
Joseph Francis Owens, age 85, passed away the evening of February 16, 2022 in his Arcade home surrounded by his loving wife, Helen, and two sons: Kevin and Timothy. Joe was born May 18, 1936; he was the son of Thomas and Mary Owens (née Crawford) of Arcade, NY; the brother of Bonnie Becker, Sandra Castor, the late Betty Foss and Danny Owens. He is the husband of Helen (née Shrader); they were married August 6, 1960 and together lovingly raised two sons, Kevin and Timothy in Arcade.
Joe attended Pioneer Central School, served the Army in Korea during the Korean War (1957-1962), joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 15, 1975 where he served ministered and gave of his time in many different positions such as President of the congregation, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Leader. Most notably, Joe began barbering in August 1965. “Joe, the Barber,” as he was to be known to the Arcade community for 51 years, was undoubtedly a public figure to many; and while he loved being “Joe, the Barber,” he adored being Husband to Helen, Dad to Kevin and Tim, and Grandpa to his thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could always be found teasing them all, including his daughters-in-law, Sandra Lynn and Caroline, showing he really loved you. Grandpa Joe was known for his teasing nature, his big “grab ya to give ya a big bear hug” loves, infectious laugh, compassionate listening ear, and his capacity to love loud and with his whole heart.
All who knew Joe felt his love and enjoyed his contagious laughter and you couldn’t help but join in. He will be truly missed by all in the Arcade community–a community he loved and did all he could for, as noted by Arcade Herald writer, Carole Jones:
“Joe loved all things Arcade, and was an important part of its business district and Chamber of Commerce for more than 40 years. To honor and commemorate his devotion to community service, the Chamber annually presents a “Joe Owens Community Spirit Award.” He was a regular part of the Arcade Merchants Committee as well, offering his opinions and volunteer enthusiasm to the group, and helping to host dozens of special sales and events through the years.
From behind the chair, “Joe the Barber” was quick to share a story or a laugh, buoy someone’s spirits, or promote the latest special event. His prized collection of Winterfest buttons was hung in the shop every February, and he was first to try something new to enhance his business. He even went back to school when long hair became fashionable, so he could do the best job for his customers.”
And he will be most dearly missed by his own Owens Community he built with his eternal companion, Helen.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Helen; sons, Kevin (Sandra Lynn), and Timothy (Caroline); thirteen grandchildren: Ryan, Nathaniel (Courtney), Lynette (Tyler), Mariah, Tristen Kay, Shaylyn, Janae, Lindsay, Miles, Samuel, Wesley, Julia, and Calvin; along with five living great-grandchildren; siblings, Bonnie Becker and Sandra Castor. He is preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; siblings: Betty Foss and Danny Owens; and one great-granddaughter.
A public visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 from 4-7 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 12500 County Line Rd, Arcade NY 14009.
Online condolences and contributions may be given on the Facebook group “In Memory of Joseph F. Owens.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arcade or Yorkshire Fire Department are appreciated.
Joseph Francis Owens, age 85, passed away the evening of February 16, 2022 in his Arcade home surrounded by his loving wife, Helen, and two sons: Kevin and Timothy. Joe was born May 18, 1936; he was the son of Thomas and Mary Owens (née Crawford) of Arcade, NY; the brother of Bonnie Becker, Sandra Castor, the late Betty Foss and Danny Owens. He is the husband of Helen (née Shrader); they were married August 6, 1960 and together lovingly raised two sons, Kevin and Timothy in Arcade.
Joe attended Pioneer Central School, served the Army in Korea during the Korean War (1957-1962), joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 15, 1975 where he served ministered and gave of his time in many different positions such as President of the congregation, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Leader. Most notably, Joe began barbering in August 1965. “Joe, the Barber,” as he was to be known to the Arcade community for 51 years, was undoubtedly a public figure to many; and while he loved being “Joe, the Barber,” he adored being Husband to Helen, Dad to Kevin and Tim, and Grandpa to his thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He could always be found teasing them all, including his daughters-in-law, Sandra Lynn and Caroline, showing he really loved you. Grandpa Joe was known for his teasing nature, his big “grab ya to give ya a big bear hug” loves, infectious laugh, compassionate listening ear, and his capacity to love loud and with his whole heart.
All who knew Joe felt his love and enjoyed his contagious laughter and you couldn’t help but join in. He will be truly missed by all in the Arcade community–a community he loved and did all he could for, as noted by Arcade Herald writer, Carole Jones:
“Joe loved all things Arcade, and was an important part of its business district and Chamber of Commerce for more than 40 years. To honor and commemorate his devotion to community service, the Chamber annually presents a “Joe Owens Community Spirit Award.” He was a regular part of the Arcade Merchants Committee as well, offering his opinions and volunteer enthusiasm to the group, and helping to host dozens of special sales and events through the years.
From behind the chair, “Joe the Barber” was quick to share a story or a laugh, buoy someone’s spirits, or promote the latest special event. His prized collection of Winterfest buttons was hung in the shop every February, and he was first to try something new to enhance his business. He even went back to school when long hair became fashionable, so he could do the best job for his customers.”
And he will be most dearly missed by his own Owens Community he built with his eternal companion, Helen.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Helen; sons, Kevin (Sandra Lynn), and Timothy (Caroline); thirteen grandchildren: Ryan, Nathaniel (Courtney), Lynette (Tyler), Mariah, Tristen Kay, Shaylyn, Janae, Lindsay, Miles, Samuel, Wesley, Julia, and Calvin; along with five living great-grandchildren; siblings, Bonnie Becker and Sandra Castor. He is preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law; siblings: Betty Foss and Danny Owens; and one great-granddaughter.
A public visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2022 from 4-7 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 12500 County Line Rd, Arcade NY 14009.
Online condolences and contributions may be given on the Facebook group “In Memory of Joseph F. Owens.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arcade or Yorkshire Fire Department are appreciated.