The Owensboro community is mourning the loss of Larry “Chick” Owen — a local figure known for his decades of service in youth sports, church programs, senior services, and beyond. Owen, a lifelong resident of Owensboro, died this week, leaving behind a legacy of service that touched countless lives.
Chick’s commitment to the community was apparent in every aspect of his life, from his early involvement with the Dust Bowl basketball tournament to his leadership at the H.L. Neblett Community Center.
His brother Byron recalled Chick’s dedication to his work at the community center, where he spent the last two decades after retiring from Daramic. He began working with youth programs and eventually switched to adult programming, including organizing weekly exercise classes, arranging trips for seniors, and bringing in guest speakers.
“He didn’t just retire and sit back,” Byron said. “He was still involved, still working on schedules for events, even after his cancer diagnosis. He always had something planned for the seniors, from day trips to nearby cities to organizing special events.”
Chick was also instrumental in the creation of the Dust Bowl Gospel Program, which added a spiritual dimension to the popular basketball tournament. Byron said Chick’s impact on the Dust Bowl extended beyond his role as one of the first scorekeepers. Over the years, he organized various activities, ensuring that the tournament remained an inclusive, community-driven event.
“He cared about everyone,” Byron said. “He had a way of bringing people together, whether it was through sports or church programs.”
Chick’s commitment to the community wasn’t limited to his work at the center. He founded the Owenboro Men’s Mass Community Choir, which became a fixture at local events. The choir featured notable community figures, including former Sheriff Keith Cain, Mayor Tom Watson, and Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen, among others.
“He had 30 or 40 men in the choir at its peak,” Byron said. “They even performed at the Capitol a couple of times. He really brought people together through that.”
Chick’s son Larry Owen, Jr., described his father as someone who never missed a chance to support others. Whether attending one of his grandchildren’s school events or cheering for a local team at a state tournament, Larry Jr. said his father made sure to be there.
“He was everywhere,” Larry Jr. said. “My kids, my brother’s kids, my sister’s kids — we’re all scattered across Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, and he made it to every graduation, play, or event. He made sure no one felt left out.”
Larry Jr. also spoke about his father’s deep connection to Owensboro and his unwavering support for the community’s youth.
“He rooted for everybody,” he said. “It wasn’t about him. He wanted to see others succeed, and he would go above and beyond to make sure they did. He never gave up on anyone.”
Chick’s best friend, Geno Tyler, echoed those sentiments, recalling how he always found ways to bring joy to others.
“Whatever he touched turned into something good,” Tyler said. “Even when he was going through cancer treatment, he was still thinking about how he could help people. That’s just who he was.”
Tyler said Owensboro has lost a true community leader, but “the legacy of Larry ‘Chick’ Owen will continue to inspire those who knew him.”
“He didn’t just care about people – he invested in them,” Tyler said. “He wanted to see others succeed and would do anything to help them get there. That’s what made him so special.”
As Larry Jr. put it, “He was for the city. He was for the people. And he’ll be missed, but his impact will live on.”
