Theodore Owens

Leroy Owens passed away on December 26, 2009 at Geisinger Medical Center after a lengthy and exhausting battle with a bleeding disorder. After years of fighting this disease, this time, Leroy's Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, called him to come home; no more suffering, no more pain. Leroy was born on August 6, 1933, in Blossburg, PA, to Edward and Esther Owens. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Shirley (Perkowski) as well as son Jeffrey (Kimberly) Owens and daughter Darlene (David) Bachman. Leroy has 2 granddaughters, the apples of Grandpa's eye, Emily (Kevin) Kozemko and Katie Bachman. He is also survived by his brother, Edmund (Lena) Owens, and sisters, Linda Holton and Charlotte Shelman. Leroy was a machine operator for over 40 years, working at American LaFrance and Purulator. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Leroy was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, picking berries, and most of all, bonfires "up on the mountain" with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing poker with the neighbors, always "king of the grill" at neighborhood picnics. Of most importance, Leroy has dedicated the last four years of his life to his newfound "spiritual gift" of working at the Pennsylvania Avenue United Methodist Church Food Cupboard. Even on his sickest days, he never missed unloading a Food Bank truck or a food distribution; always putting the needy in our community before himself. Grandpa never missed a concert or a performance or graduation involving his two granddaughters, of whom he was always beaming with pride. Calling hours for friends and family will be at Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. at 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with a service to celebrate Leroy's life immediately following the close of viewing hours that evening, directed by Reverend Bill Vallet and Reverend Mark Erway. Leroy's passing will leave a tremendous void in the lives of his family, friends, and church family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Leroy's memory to the Pennsylvania Avenue United Methodist Church Food Cupboard Ministry at 1238 Pennsylvania Avenue, Pine City, NY 14871, attention Susan Dunlap. If he were able to request one last wish, it would be to see his family and friends support this vital ministry that has brought Leroy's life such fulfillment over the past four years. This amazing man knew how to live and knew how to keep his priorities in their proper perspective. Heaven is certainly receiving a suma cum laude angel this Christmas. The family would like to give an outpouring of thanks to the staff of Geisinger Medical Center for their compassionate and experienced care of Leroy. "Angels among us."A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for the family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com