Thomas R. Owens Jr., 1931-2020

Mr. Owens, affectionately known as “Gus,” was born Dec. 11, 1931, in Austin, Texas, a son of Thomas R. Sr. and Bessie Mae Conley Owens. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and studied music for two years at New York University.

Gus worked as a mechanic for many years with Rayco in Youngstown. He loved music and played with Miles Davis, James Brown and various other well-known artists. Locally, Gus played at venues in the Warren and Youngstown areas, including Sundays at “Jazz in the Park.” Gus enjoyed working on automobiles, and of course, his music.

He was a retired U. S. Army veteran.

He is survived by his four sons, Billy Owens of Youngstown, Michael (Sharonting) Owens of Maryland, and Benjamin (Morgan) Anderson and Charlie (Tisha) Anderson, both of California; eight daughters, Carolyn (Henry) Nobles of Texas, Zina Hill of Youngstown, Joi Ikharo and Denise Black, both of California, Kelly (Alan) Wilken of Virginia, Tracey Carthorne of Pennsylvania, Marvea (Pedro) Owens-Perez of Georgia and Remithia (Darren) Strickland of Alabama; two sisters, Idanelle Barnett and Edith Prevost; and three brothers, William, Timothy and Delmont Owens, all of California; 20 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Mikolette Owens; a sister, Bobbie Arnold; and a brother, Carlyle Owens.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, private services were held for the family. Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)