of Mountain View, AR
August 20, 1943 - April 17, 2016
Psalm 116:15 reads, ''How precious to the Lord is the death of His saints.'' Family and friends are concentrating on the Lord having one of His saints as they grieve over the loss of their dear father, son, brother, grandfather -- affectionately called Partner -- uncle, cousin, and friend.
On April 17th, Charles B. Owens, Jr. ''Toppy'' passed quickly and unexpectedly from his earthly life to his eternal life that he so fondly anticipated.
Toppy attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He graduated from the U of A with a BA in English in 1966 and later received a Masters in Creative Writing at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, MO. Toppy worked as a teacher, football coach, and an insurance agent. He spent the last 23 years of his career as owner of White River Insurance Agency with locations in Mountain View, Fairfield Bay, and Clinton. He devoted himself to serving his clients that he came to know and love.
An active member and past Chairman of the Arkansas State Golf Association, Toppy and his Father, Charles Owens, were recently featured in a special edition of ''Arkansas Golfer'' highlighting their many years of golfing together. Toppy followed his father's footsteps as an avid Razorback fan and football supporter. They sat in the same seats in Razorback stadium for almost 50 years. Anyone that knew Toppy knew they could find him on a golf course, at a Razorback game or driving to see his parents, children, and grandchildren.
Toppy never met a stranger. The first time he would meet someone they were as special to him as family. He was always smiling and whenever you left his presence, you felt better about yourself. He loved to be the life of the party, his recognizable laugh and spirit could fill any room. Toppy would do anything for anyone; it was never a sacrifice for him. His humor was fun, his smile sincere, his wisdom well studied, and his advice was given with discretion.
His faith was firmly and deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. He devoted his life to God and read the Bible daily. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Mountain View, and enjoyed his men's Bible study group. He loved to speak the Word of God, and preached as a lay minister. He cherished the opportunity to preach at local area churches. He commonly quoted Psalm 133, ''How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity, it's like a precious oil.'' He prayed a prayer learned from his grandmother, ''may all would be saved without the loss of one.''
Toppy loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally, and devoted his time to being a part of their lives and teaching them life's many lessons.
Toppy was preceded in death by his dear mother, Jean Winburne Owens. He is survived by his father, Charles Owens, Sr. of Morrilton and sister Melinda ''Lin'' Carnahan (Gary) of Hot Springs. His sons, David of Fayetteville, Josh (June) of Madison, MS, and Jordan (Murry) of Fayetteville. His daughters Judy Altman (Michael) of Joplin, MO, and Abby Lacy (David) of Houston, TX. Seven dear grandchildren, Scott, Josh, Jordan, Belt, Owen, Eli and Sarah, and many beloved cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 19th at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain View where the Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 2 pm. Burial will be at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville at 1:00 pm on April 21st.
Pallbearers will be Roger Goodwin, Kenneth Sutton, Stacy Buchanan, Bob Byrd, Gary Devun, Charles Penick, Gary Dewey and Timmy Decker
Memorial donations may be made to ''missionary funds'' at Flatwoods Missionary Baptist Church or First United Methodist Church both of Mountain View, Arkansas
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44 Condolence(s)
Jana Cash Wickham
Monday, May 2, 2016
i just wanted to take a little time to let each of you know how saddened we, the Cash family, are at the loss of our friend and your dad and grandfather, son and brother. When Toppy moved to Mtn View, he supported our business and became friends with my parents. He immediately became part of our family. He enjoyed mom's cooking and we enjoyed his homemade pimento cheese! It was the best!!! He was always pleasant and kind. Giving me advice about many things through the years. My DJ was just a baby when Toopy became a part of our family and 9 years later he accepted my step son with open arms. Then over the years he followed them to baseball, football basketball games and golf tournaments like he would if they were his own grandchildren. He was an amazing man, to say the least. I've never seen anyone that was always willing to support ball teams and fund raisers. He never once turned me down if I was there with my hand out, when gathering up support for some local charity. He and three other businesses helped provided uniforms for the entire MV Junior Varsity baseball team that both my boys played for. Not many people move to a town, and support programs like he did when they don't have kids or grandkids envolved. I can't even begin to tell you all the many things he did for my kids and family.
It has been an honor to know and enjoy Toppy. He was a great ambassador to our town. We enjoyed him being a part of our family. We will miss him dearly. But he left his mark on our family and we will always remember his smiling face and happy laugh.
Your in our thoughts and prayers,
Brent and Jana Cash Wickham
And the The Cash Family
Jerrie Edwards
Thursday, April 21, 2016
You will be missed. Love, "Jerrie Girl"
Rachel Rooker Owens
Thursday, April 21, 2016
It's hard to forget someone; who gave so much to remember.
I can start off by saying how wonderful, kind hearted, inspirational, Christ-like and loving Toppy was, but everyone who knew him already knows how much of an impact Toppy would leave on anyone that crossed his path. But instead, I'm going to leave how much of a void that is going to be left in his legacy. There will never been someone like Toppy Owens. He was one-of-a-kind and I could pray and thank God everyday for placing him in my life but that still wouldn't be enough. The Lord knew how much I needed Toppy in my life as a mentor, friend, leader and boss and I'll forever be grateful! I can only be sad for a little while as I know there's no where else better then in our Mansion in the Sky!
Jared and Lacey Standridge
Thursday, April 21, 2016
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jared and Lacey Standridge
Delbert &Gloria Wagler
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Mark Nelson
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Loved you brother and was always blessed by your leading our men's Bible Study. My sympathy to the family. Sorry I was out of town working and could not attend.
Liz Moad
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
So sorry for your loss but Heaven's gain. I owned White River Insurance, Calico Rock....Toppy and I were partners in crime😬. I so remember when Josh changed majors lol...I also remember him being upset when ...not sure which daughter, got married and she did not want baby breath in her bouquet, I think he took care of that, didn't he? You are a beautiful family. I loved when his son and grandson spoke...so perfect. What better name for him then Partner❤️ He will be missed.
Robin Ward/Jon Richardson
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
We were so sorry to hear about Toppy. He was a wonderful dad to you. That's what we'll always remember.
roger,Ernie Koonce
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Rip Toppy . You always were a happy man hanging out at the round table with that bunch. Will miss you . It will be a big loss to our community. Everyone knew you and no one had a bad word to say about you.
Debbie McLeroy
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
My heart is breaking at the loss of my friend and cousin. Toppy was a great father who raised a wonderful family full of love, respect and support for each other. We will all miss him and grieve for him in different ways. Toppy touched many lives through his Christian values and I know he has a special place in heaven. It is hard not to question the "why" because it hurts so much to loose someone so many loved, but God always has a better plan, and that is where we have to put our faith. Rest in peace Toppy, I will see you again some day.
Amy Miller
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Abby and family,
My heart breaks for you at this time. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet such a kind spirit. Toppy will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for your entire family.
Amy
Wes Williams
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Josh and Family,
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of playing at your house in Morrilton when we were kids. I would see your Dad occasionally at a Razorback game or with your grandpa around Morrilton and he was always the same great person I remembered from my youth. God Bless and prayers for the whole family.
Wes Williams
Rex and Vickie Seitz
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
We met Partner 13 years ago whe Judy had Scott and asked me to babysit. When Her dad came to Waynesville unexpected Judy called and said I hope you don't mind my dad is here and wants to see Scott. He can only be here for a little while. Partner knocked on my door introduced himself and came in and played what time he could with Scott and when he left He said,I will see you again next time I am this way.
As times changed and Judy and the boys moved away our relationship only grew more by then she had Josh. Partner and I would meet in Spfd.,Ozark,Branson or wherever and swap the boys out. We always shared these sweet boys on school breaks and Partner knew we loved his boys with all our hearts just as he did.He always had a smile on his face and you could see the love he had for the boys. He had a sparkle in his eye you couldn't miss when he even talked about them.or one of his kids.
Judy and Abby there is nothing like being daddy's girls! He watched over you both so carefully and if he thought you were not being treated right he was the first one to step to the plate and say that is not the way to treat my daughter!
Judy he loved you so much and always wanted the best for you. Nothing less wouldn't do. He would reach out to the ends of the earth if he thought he could help you in any way and if I know Partner he did the same for each one of his children and grand children.
We talked of many things and it was always a joy talking to him. I remember the last time we exchanged the boys in Branson I had been up all night with a sick boy and I didn't take the time to my face on or fix my hair as usual and as I was saying goodbye to the boys Partner reached over and said I like your hair short like that I looked up and said thank you then I saw that twinkle in his eye and I hit him on the arm and said my hair has always been short it just didn't get fixed today and he cut out a laugh.
Judy you and the he family had a wonderful christian daddy/grandpa that walked the walk he preached. He wanted each of you to do the same and he wanted to see each of his grandchildren accept Christ. What a joy it was when Kosh accepted Christ and Partner drove all the way to Waynesville to see his baptism. He was one happy man that day! As I told our boys there are portals in heaven where Partner can see only the good things we do on earth so make sure the things you do here will make him proud!
Rex and I are so sorry for your loss and the rest of your siblings. We know that the days ahead will not be easy for any of you. Take each day as it comes and when you start to feel down think instead of one of your sweetest memories with your daddy. God bless each of you and may Hod give your hearts the peace you will seek.
We are here if you or the boys need anything! Call
Adam Sigler
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
I cannot count the number of wonderful memories that I have of Toppy growing up. I know he will be dearly missed by all those that knew him but especially by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ron& Blake Childers
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Jill wiles
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Roger Massey
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Sincerest condolences to the family. Toppy will be missed by all who knew him. May God bless and keep you during these difficult times.
Rachael Clark Henderson
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Beautiful tribute. Deepest Sympathy to the family. Toppy was well respected by so many. I know he will be missed.
Charles McCamant
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
My friendship with Toppy, 'Z' to some of his oldest friends, dates back to 1965. He was three years older than I am. I recruited Toppy to umpire youth baseball games in Morrilton and we became very good friends. We shared an apartment in Conway when Toppy taught at Vilonia. We spent a lot of time together and shared many, many good times and laughs. He visited me in New Mexico and Texas and I visited him in Missouri and Arkansas. As we went on with our lives, we continued to keep in touch by telephone and email. I talked to him on March 15. He was upbeat, as usual, and we planned to meet sometime soon for a round of golf and to just visit. His passing leaves a big hole in my life. I miss you a lot.
Burl and Linda Sullins
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Toppy's family.
Earl Scroggin
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
I look forward to seeing you again soon, Toppy! I miss your smile!
Sheri Brooks
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
What beautiful words honoring a life well lived.
Michele & Ronny Gold Zachary, Tana & Braelynn
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Toppy, There Are Not Enough Words, Days Or Even Hours To Tell What An Inspiration You Were To Me And My Family. We Will Greatly Miss You, I Know That You Will Constantly Be Looking Down Watching Over Your Family, Children And Grandchildren, As You Are The Angel Of Their Life!!!!!!!!
Betty & Jim Woods
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Toppy's family. He made us feel very welcome when we moved to Mountain View and bought our business. He will be missed.
Betty & Jim Woods
Tana Brewer
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
What a blessing it is to have had you as a part of my life. You had so much faith in me and believed in me when no one else did. I appreciate everything you helped me with and do in my new life journey. I will not let you down. You will always have a place in my heart. With love, Tana.
Wally & Janie Steen
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mac Stubbs
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of the shocking news of Toppy's passing. I met him at the ASGA Father & Son golf championship many years ago. I have known his father Charles since 1964 and Toppy was a chip off his dad's block. He will be missed. Gold bless his family.
Kaye Massey Bass
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Much love to Melinda and Abby! I know Toppy is in the loving arms of Jesus. His earthly presence will be missed, look forward to a great reunion!
Becky Lewandowski
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Toppy was a very special man and wonderful friend. He touched so many lives, and leaves many wonderful memories for his friends to cherish. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with all of the family, and I pray God will Bless you all with His peace and healing.
Bob & Ann Byrd
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Ann and I mourn along with you the family, as Toppy was a very dear friend. He was a rock in our men's Monday night bible study and when he shared, his teaching always pointed to the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We enjoyed the times we were able to converse with him over a meal at our home where his favorite subjects always came up, those being, his family and Jesus. I will miss our occasional lunch downtown where we would enjoy each others company and talked and laughed together.
On several occasions at our men's bible study, Toppy quoted Job 14:5 "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass”. He affirmed that God has a specific time table for our life as well as our death and because we are not privy to that information, we need to be about our Father’s business continually. Toppy did exactly that, he shared Jesus at every opportunity.
Toppy thought so much of you, his family, and he was never too tired to hit the road to visit his dad or pick up one of the grand kids, even though he had so many irons in the fire with his business and other things that he was involved in.
Toppy was truly a leader with a heart of gold and an infectious smile. Ann and I are glad that we could call Toppy friend, his life was a witness to us and to so many others.
We miss you Toppy, but we know that we will be rejoicing with you on the other side on that glorious day when Jesus calls us home!
With prayers for the family,
Bob & Ann Byrd
Mountain View
Paula Williamson
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Toppy was always so pleasant and made you feel like you were his best friend. He was a pleasure to be around. Prayers for his family, may they feel the grace of God today and the days ahead as they figure out how to carry on without him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Paula Williamson Clark Property Ins.
Marie Lord
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Toppy will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful Boss, but must of all he was a special person who I am proud to say was my exceptional friend. I worked for Toppy over 21 years and in all that time I can honestly say that we never had cross words or that I don't remember him ever raising his voice. He helped each and every person that walked through the door at White River Insurance Agency in Mountain View. Our Community will miss the attention he gave to all who needed his help whether it was to understand their insurance needs, their Christian needs or to just have someone to listen to their problems (including myself). I know that there is a SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR HIM. I feel blessed to have had him call me a friend. My prayers are that God helps his Family to understand why He called Toppy to be with Him in Eternal Life. Every time I say my prayers Toppy and his Family will always be included.
Sam Sellers
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Sincere condolences. I count it an honor to have known Toppy Owens.
Cathy Jack
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Toppy was a very special person and I enjoyed working with him for many years. He was always a gentlemen and lots of fun. I am glad I had the opportunity to work with him for many years. He will be missed. I am sure he is smiling in Heaven !!!
Jack Burson
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Sincere condolences to all the family. We share your grief, and also the hope of eternal peace!
Brannon Watson
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
So sorry to hear thisToppy was scheduled for a lesson Thursday with me and as always I was looking forward to seeing him and hearing more of his stories. What a truly wonderful man, I know he will be missed by a lot of people including me!
Rory Bradley
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Josh and family and friends:
We are so sorry to hear of your (our) loss. Toppy was the top of the line. His personality, infectious smile, and caring attitude will be missed for years to come. He always left a positive mark before he left and we always smiled when we saw him coming. Not once did I ever see him when he didn't ask about my family which makes me know what kind of family man he was. He will be greatly missed and thank you for sharing him with us...
Rory
Bill and Teri Johannesen
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Dear David, you and your family are in our minds and hearts.We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences in this time of loss. We are here for you if and when there is anything we can do.
Phyllis Amro
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
We (Sara, Susie, Eddie, and Ali and I) were so sorry to hear of Toppy's death. Although he was my ex-husband, David Brewer's, cousin, I did not initially know Toppy. We met when I sat next to Kathy, Toppy's ex-wife, one night at a Morrilton High School football game when both my son, Eddie, and Judy were just babies. After that night our families spent many, many good, and bad, times together. Toppy was my daughter's softball coach when Kathy and I proved ourselves quite unworthy to coach a girls softball team and he magnanimously took over. When my house burned they took me in for a couple of days until I could clear out my house and Kathy washed all my smoke filled clothes. Soon after that I moved from Morrilton to Conway and although we remained friends he and Kathy were subsequently divorced and we lost touch. My daughter, Susie, and David remained friends when they also moved to Conway and both attended Conway High School. I eventually remarried, finished college at UCA and moved to Arizona. I lost touch with Toppy and the kids for several years and only found them a few years ago on Facebook and have kept in touch with Judy since before the tornado destroyed her home. I was always aware of what a wonderful father Toppy was from coaching softball to picking up the kids, babysitting them and making sure they attended church. He was a wonderful son to his parents and I know how very proud they were of him. Hearing the news yesterday of his death brought back so many memories and both Susie and I have been particularly affected by his death. He was a wonderful man, a wonderful son, and an especially wonderful father and I know this to be true having been there through some of the most trying times of his life and mine. RIP Toppy. I hope you know that you were always in that category of very special people to me.
Jay Fox
Monday, April 18, 2016
To the Owens Family: on behalf of the officers, directors and staff of the Arkansas State Golf Association, I want to express my deepest condolences. Toppy was a man that loved the game of golf and loved those that played it. He will be missed by many.
Jay N. Fox
Executive Director
Bev Hargraves
Monday, April 18, 2016
My prayers are with the family. He was a gentleman who was well-respected, and will be sorely missed. I am proud to have known him and to call him my friend.
Rickey McCoy
Monday, April 18, 2016
So Sorry GOD Bless
Bob McCarley
Monday, April 18, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Toppy and I had been friends for more than 50 years. Enjoyed seeing him at Razorback Football games and Senior golf events. He was a good guy
Bob McCarley
Little Rock
Ann Rosso
Monday, April 18, 2016
My heart aches for your family's huge loss. May you be blessed with strength, courage and peace. Sending sympathy and love!