of Little Rock, AR
January 9, 1939 - October 24, 2025
Anthony (Tony) Owens, 86, departed this life October 24, 2025. He was the eldest son of three children born to Charles and Sue Owens. He is preceded in death by his brother, William Owens.
Tony, a lifelong resident of Little Rock, graduated from Central High School in 1956. He attended George Washington University and graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in business administration and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Upon graduation he served eight years in The Army National Guard as a music specialist (trumpet) in the 105th Army Band.
Tony began his work life in Washington, DC as a clerical staffer for Senator Fulbright. Upon returning to Little Rock he was employed by Pyramid Life Insurance Company as service manager. In 1975 he became the owner/operator of Jetletter Printing Company which specialized in direct mail. He retired in 2005.
He and his life partner, Paul Bash, met in 1980 and shared forty-five years together. During those years there were many trips throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, including France, Germany, Poland and The Czech Republic, Holland, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Paul was the tour guide and Tony loved being the sightseer.
They shared a get-away residence for 25 years on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake where Chef Paul would do the cooking and Tony was the Captain of the party barge, entertaining family and friends. Favorite spots for everyone were the screened in porch in the summer and the fireplace in the winter. He lived his entire life in Hillcrest and as the party boy of the neighborhood, he enjoyed hosting gatherings around his backyard swimming pool.
Tony considered himself fortunate. He had loving parents and was raised as a Christian and was a longtime member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his loving partner, Paul and his brother, Gary and his partner, Harold Decena (Dallas).
A visitation will take place at the Roller-Chenal Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00pm on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. A Service of Christian burial will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Dr. (Hillcrest), Little Rock on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Please wear bright colors.
No flowers please. If you wish to memorialize Tony, please make a contribution to World Central Kitchen - a worthy organization that feeds people all over the world in times of disasters.
Address: World Central Kitchen Attn: Donor Services Team
PO Box 96538
Washington, DC 20090-6538
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14 Condolence(s)
David Sims and Ed Patterson
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Ed and I have so many great memories of times spent with Tony while living in Little Rock. Paul we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ginny Wright
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Always loved visiting with Tony. Paul sorry for you loss ❤️
Tracy Dean
Monday, November 3, 2025
I just got to meet Tony recently but the mischievous twinkle in his eyes made an indelible mark on my heart. I am so thankful I got to spend time with him.
Dorothy Billingsley McCubbin
Sunday, November 2, 2025
It saddens me greatly to hear of Tony's passing. Although we had not seen each other for many years, I tried to stay in touch with him. I will miss our telephone visits when we would slip back in time to when we were young cousins, just sharing old remembrances of our families and our times together, and where I spent most of my time just laughing at his amusing stories and witty remarks. Tony was a blessing to us all and will be greatly missed. My thoughts go to Paul and Gary.
Roy Dudley
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Paul - I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you peace. Godspeed Tony.
Connie Nelson
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Tony was my cousin whom I loved dearly. We always had a good time when we were together even though there were often years between our visits as we got older. I remember going to see him on Christmas Eve when he cooked for everyone. Other friends and family were often there as well. My condolences to Paul as well as
my cousin Gary, his younger brother. ❤️❤️
Annell George McLawhorn
Saturday, November 1, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Having lived in NC for the past 41 years, my opportunities to spend time with him and my other Arkansas cousins has been limited. I have fond memories of spending a summer of my high school years working at Jetletter. Paul, I'm so happy he had you in his life. Gary and Paul, my prayers for you both during this period of grief and celebration of his life.
Barbara Gay
Friday, October 31, 2025
Tony was a special person. Always fun with a good story. He will be missed.
So sorry Paul for a great loss.
Love to you Barbara Gay
Kendolyn Cline
Thursday, October 30, 2025
We will miss you Mr. Owens. Sending love to Mr. Bash and your family. From all of us at Parkway Heights ❤️.
Joe Riddle
Thursday, October 30, 2025
I met Tony through Steve Caver and George Mobbs. They did the books for Tony's business, Jetletter. He and Paul were a delight to be around. Great memories, as mutual friend Ron Maxwell said. He will be missed. My heart goes out to Paul in this sad time. Rest in peace, Tony.
Amy Smith
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Paul, the partnership that you and Tony had is an inspiration of love, loyalty, and commitment. It's a wonderful example of a life well lived. Rest in Peace Tony.
Ronald Fenton Maxwell
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
What a special guy! We had some wonderful times with Tony and Paul and will always remember Tony as a great friend. He will be missed! We wish Paul and Gary peace and love in this difficult time!
Ron and Fred
Cindy C Caton
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Tony, I will always cherish our times visiting on my porch on C Street. Without fail, you would call almost every day and make your way down with a glass of wine and stories to tell. I appreciated your beautiful, kind prayers for me during my struggle with Pulmonary Hypertension. They were the kindest prayers I think I have ever heard from someone. I am grateful to have had a neighbor like yourself. Rest in peace, my friend.
Paul and Gary, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this loss in your lives.
Rigdon Fair
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Always a good time with such great memories. Rest in peace with blessings to all.