Obituary

Robert Dale McOwen, age 77 of Phoenix, AZ died January 29, 2019 in Surprise, AZ.  He was born March 17, 1941 in Ballville Township, OH to Homer and Kathryn McOwen.  The oldest of 11 children, Robert played a significant role in raising his brothers and sisters.  Responsible and hardworking, he took his first job as a young  man at AJ Bayliss and with his earnings brought home the first Christmas tree his family ever had.  His love and care for his brothers and sisters continued throughout his life.  He worked for many years in the grocery industry and the last 20 years in the security industry.  Diligent and dependable, he had an incredible work ethic and never called in sick.

Robert was an avid reader.  He loved reading mysteries and crime novels.  Though he had an electronic device, books were always paper and electronic devices were for games of solitaire, sudoku and fill in puzzles.  He was a devoted sports fan and loved watching his AZ teams in action.  He especially enjoyed ASU Sun Devils football and Diamondback baseball games.  He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. His most cherished times were spent with his family.   As his family grew to include in-laws, he welcomed each into his family with love and respect.  He  was generous with his love for his grandchildren and made it a point to attend at least one of each grandchild’s sporting events, even traveling to Pennsylvania to attend one.  His support was genuine and he watched the high school games with as much enthusiasm as if he were at the super bowl.  He valued the time he spent surrounded by the members of his family and often commented to his partner, Gladys, how blessed he was because of them.

Robert is survived by his partner and “other half”, Gladys McOwen; daughter, Rhonda King (Mark); sons, Robby McOwen (Candy), and Raymond McOwen (Melissa); sisters Cora Neal and Kathy Marshall; brothers, Homer McOwen,  Bill McOwen, Roger Lindner; Eugene “Frosty” Lindner, Kevin Lindner, and Robert Lindner; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Kathryn; brother, Ralph; and sister, Karley.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 pm, Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Building A, 918 S Litchfield Rd, Goodyear, AZ 85338.  If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.