Larry “Chick” Bruder Owen, 73, a cherished and dedicated member of the Owensboro community, passed away on, Tuesday, October 1, 2024. He was born on February 23, 1951, to Winston and Margaret Gregory Owen in Livermore, Kentucky. At an early age, he professed his belief in and love for Jesus Christ and joined Zion Baptist Church where he remained a lifelong member. Larry was deeply involved in his faith community as an usher and trustee and led the sign and van ministries.
A 1969 graduate of Owensboro High School, Larry was employed at Daramic, formerly W. R. Grace, for 30 years lastly as Extruder Operator. He enjoyed reading because he believed learning should be a lifelong goal. He and Nena attended games, meets, recitals, and plays – any activities his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and Neblett Center youth were involved in. He was extremely proud to see each one graduate from high school and college and become professionals and leaders in their communities. As a coach, Larry was a legend in the local sports community. For several years he was widely known as “The Winningest Coach in Dust Bowl History”.
Chick’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting those around him. Larry made a difference in Owensboro. He served as the Recreation Director at the H. L. Neblett Community Center for over a decade, where he created programs like the Eye See Kids Camera Project and the Moneta Sleet, Jr. Photography Club, which empowered youth to explore their creativity. His dedication to community service extended to many organizations, including the United Way of the Ohio Valley, the Owensboro Family YMCA, the NAACP, Owensboro Human Relations Commission, Mt. Pisgah Lodge No. 20 F&AM, Cawthar Temple 118, Fraternal Order of the Eagles 4168 Owensboro Chapter, and in 2011, Governor Steven Beshear commissioned Larry a Kentucky Colonel.
Others often looked to Chick for new and unique ideas. During the uneasy period of Covid-19, Chick, wanting to keep everyone safe, but still celebrate Black History Month, conceived, organized, and executed – along with a dedicated crew – a novel “drive-up” celebration where attendees remained in their cars and showed their appreciation for performers on stage by honking their horns.
Larry was passionate about the Men’s Mass Community Choir and served as the President. This choir grew significantly, performing at various community events and churches. Under his leadership, the choir launched the 5th Saturday Fellowship Breakfast, bringing together men from different backgrounds for fellowship and spiritual growth.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by brother, James “Snookie” Owen; and brothers-in-law, Johnny Ford, Monroe Griffith, Leon Curry, and Sylvester Nurse.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Nena Amos Owen of 25 years; children Derek Owen, Larry Owen, Jr., Lamar Owen, Lorraine (David) Sturgeon, and Wesley Lewis; grandchildren Denysha, Destiny, Jamarui, Baylee, Paul Thomas, Mary Kate, Taleaya, Laren, Amarian, Jaxon, Kellan, Scarlett, Leighton, Lilah, Trey, Jasmine, Kyle, Tre’, Aaliyah, Isaiah, Briana, Isabella, and Mia; great-grandchildren Kingston, Amelia, Tremayne, and Lunden; brother Bryon Owen; sisters Brenda Riley, Sue Griffith, Betty Payton, and Patricia Curry; mother-in-law Isabell Amos; brother-in-law William (Reverend Rosalind) Amos, Jr.; sisters-in-law Cozetta Nurse, Charmaine Dugger, and Taneko Snorton; devoted friends Geno Tyler, Fritz Kramer, Bill Harris, Doug Forsythe, and Fred May; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Sunday, October 13, 2024, visitation will be at McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 West 5th Street, Owensboro, KY from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM with Masonic Rites at 5:00 PM.
Monday, October 14, 2024, visitation will be at McFarland Funeral Home from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM. Funeral service will be at Zion Baptist Church, 2311 West 9th Street, Owensboro, KY, starting at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Owensboro Memorial Gardens, 5050 KY-144, Owensboro, KY, following the funeral.
Larry’s impact will continue to be felt throughout the community he loved, served, and worked in. He will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, and dedication to serving others while honoring his faith.
Please leave memories and messages of condolence for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com.
Care by McFarland Funeral Home, Inc.