of Batesville, AR
September 15, 1971 - June 6, 2025
Jeff Owens was born September 15, 1971 in Sikeston, Missouri to Danny Willis Owens and Melvina Darlene (Buchanan) Owens; he passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 53, after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Survivors include his parents, one brother, Mark Willis Owens of Batesville; one nephew, Michael Willis Owens; a niece, Monica Elizabeth Owens; four aunts, Elizabeth Turley, Deveda Hamra, and Nancy Black and husband Allen, and Penny Sitzes; one uncle, Tim Owens and wife Belinda, numerous cousins, the Parks and Rec., and City and Fire Department families, and many dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Willis and Bernice Owens, and his maternal grandparents, Orvel and Mary Buchanan.
Jeff graduated high school from Sikeston High School, attended Harding University in Searcy, and graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.
Jeff began his career at the Parks and Recreation Department in Jonesboro, and started his role with the City of Batesville's Parks and Recreation Department on June 30, 2011. The first ''official'' thing he did when he came to Batesville-tear down a playground over by what is now The River restaurant. But city leaders had a vision that went beyond cosmetic upgrades. They wanted a beacon to bring tourism, a venue to develop opportunities, a location for programs of all ages - and a team leader to tie everything together. Hence, the Batesville Community Center, (where you are now) opened in 2017. He improved and implemented many projects for the City of Batesville's Parks and Recreation Department, and served on the board of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Jeff was also a part-time firefighter for the Batesville Fire Department, where he worked on the high rope rescue team, a specialized team that rescues people stranded in hard to reach areas. He also served on the Independence County Sheriff's Department dive team.
Jeff had many hobbies, he was an adrenaline junkie. He enjoyed rock climbing, mountain bike racing, scuba diving, and rescuing Weimaraner's. He worked for 12 years with the Arkansas Weimaraner Rescue organization, helping foster and transfer dogs.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Batesville Community Center on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. A visitation prior to the service will begin at 12 noon until service time.
Memorials may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or Harrison Street Church of Christ Youth Program, 1536 Harrison St, Batesville, AR 72501, or the Humane Society of Independence County, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501.
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18 Condolence(s)
Mike & Janet Moll
Friday, June 13, 2025
So very sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Betty Cockrill
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with each of your families. Mr. Owen's has accomplished a lot for our community. Thank you for your service. I pray that our Heavenly Father wraps you in His loving arms and gives you comfort and peace during these difficult times.
Runyan Acres Fire Department
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
On behalf of the Runyan Acres Fire Department, please accept our sincerest condolences.
Hope Normandy
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Jeff was so proud of what Batesville built. He was always open to questions and happy to show off the Community center. He will be missed.
Melissa Bewley
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Such a sweet soul. Until we meet again.....
Becky Karnes
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Danny and Darlene we are so sorry about Jeff's struggle and passing.
Jennifer Worley
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
My sincere condolences . I really enjoyed working with Jeff I talk with him a just a few times while I work with the city at the Aquatic center. He was an amazing man and will be Deeply missed. Prayers for the family for the days to come.
Theresa Book
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
I met Jeff when we started holding the Polar Plunges at the Aquatics Center. Always willing to help Special Olympics Arkansas when we had a need to use the parks & rec facilities. Prayers for the Owens family.
Elizabeth Turley
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Sometimes God gives us a heavy burden, but it is never to heavy for HIM to carry. We just have to give it over to Him. Prayers for the Owens family during this time, and in the days ahead. I love you guys, Darlene, Danny, Mark and Michael. Liz Turley, Aunt of precious Jeff.
LaShonda Robinson
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
My sincere condolences for the loss of our fun-loving classmate. May the peace of God surround you.
Bruce and Alisa Buchanan
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
RIP cousin....you will be missed
Wade Tomlinson
Monday, June 9, 2025
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed Jeff's friendship in junior high and high school. I know he'll be missed.
Jan(McMillen) Petty
Monday, June 9, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Jeff. May you find peace in the arms of Jesus during this difficult time! We're praying for your family.
Perry and Suzy Carr
Monday, June 9, 2025
We offer our sincere condolences for the loss of Jeff. With his quick wit & humor, he made us laugh and reminded us, we don't have to grow up. RIP Jeff. We will miss you so much.❤️
Brent Ellison
Monday, June 9, 2025
I met Jeff in August 2003, when I was 21, when I went to the Earl Bell Community Center in Jonesboro because I heard there was a rock climbing wall there. From that point on, I spent the next few years either working for him, climbing with him, cycling with him, teaching with him and learning from him. He made a big difference in my life.
Brent Ellison
Monday, June 9, 2025
Ray Christie
Monday, June 9, 2025
Deepest sympathy.
Perry and Suzanne Carr
Monday, June 9, 2025
I met Jeff through his work with the Parks Departments in both Jonesboro and Batesville. He was the absolute best at his job. We thought the world of Jeff and will miss his dearly.