Service:
Saturday, May 17, 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Willard Elks #1370
209 Dale Ave.
Willard, Ohio 44890
Rodney C. "RC" Owens, age 79, of Shelby, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Willard, Ohio on March 15, 1946 to the late Rodney F. and Dorothy J. (Durbin) Owens.
Rodney was a 1964 graduate of Willard High School. In 1965, he enlisted into the Marine Corps Reserves. He worked at the Willard division of R.R. Donnelley and Sons until 1989 when he moved to work, and eventually retire, at their Harrisonburg, Virginia division. He, along with is cousin, Jim Durbin, worked for the Huron County Sherrif department training volunteers for the Willard Auxiliary Police Dept. He was a member of the American Legion, National Rifle Association, and the Veteran Riders Motorcycle Club in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Rodney enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, and pond Hocky in his younger years when his knees were good. He, along with his sons, suffered as a life long Cleveland Browns fan. Most of all, his biggest joys in life were spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane (Gardner) Owens whom me married on October 1, 1966; sons, Eric Owens of Columbus, Ohio and Chad Owens of Shelby, Ohio; grandchildren, Kaeleigh (Tyler) Buccione, Bronson (Ashley) Owens, and Nathan Owens; great grandchildren, Sophie, Enzo, Greyson and Blakelyn; sister, Vicki K. (Dennis) Keefer; sisters-in-law, Louise Owens and Jackie Smith; brother-in-law, Jon (Theresa) Gardner; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a grandson, Nicholas Owens, brother; brother, Barton “Butch” Owens; niece Jaimi Smith; and parents-in-law, Jack and Pauline Gardner.
Rodney’s family would like to thank OhioHealth Hospice for the wonderful care, especially, his nurse Deanie, Chaplain Kathy, aide Abby, and social worker Bianca.
There will be Celebration of Life for Rodney on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Willard Elks Lodge #1370, 209 Dale Ave., Willard, Ohio, 44890. Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio is assisting Rodney's family with funeral arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.