Cicero Lee Owens, Sr., 60, of Parsons, passed from this life at 2:45 a.m., Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He had been in his usual health until being stricken with a sudden double stroke.
He was born September 6, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas, to Archie Lee Bradford and Mary E. (Conger) Owens. He grew up in Parsons where he attended Garfield Elementary School, Parsons Jr. High and Parsons High School.
At the age of 17, he attended Weaver Basin Job Corps where he received his G.E.D. While attaining his education at the job corps, his learning was extended in the fields of landscaping and heavy equipment operating.
After returning to Parsons, Cicero was a steady worker. Through the years, he was employed by Swift's and worked construction at various locations in Parsons including 32nd Street, Belmont, Corning, Katy Drive and Crawford streets. He later was employed by Larry Lamb Construction Company where he was taught all he thought he needed to know (and did) about true landscaping. His life was characterized by his nonjudgmental attitude, playful sense of humor and willingness to help others. He was an independent and private person and a free spirit that loved his family. He enjoyed fishing, barbequing, music and being outdoors. He also had learned to skate backwards with an expert figure eight skater.
He took great pride in working as a landscaper, planting trees on Interstate 70 and building waterfalls. He was most proud of the koi pond he designed and built for the Commerce Bank in Kansas City.
His favorite scripture was John 14:27, "Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid". His favorite songs were "The Best In Me" by Marvin Sapp and "Going Up Yonder". He especially enjoyed imitating blues singers.
He was a member of the Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Parsons.
Survivors include his family who he loved very much:
Special Companion, Carnetta Applewhite, and their son, Cicero Lee Owens, Jr. both of Kansas City, MO
Mother - Mary Owens Parsons, KS
Two brothers - Robert "Bobby" Owens and his wife, Brenda Temple, TX Clyde McGlory, Sr. and his wife, Mary Temple, TX
Two Sisters – Shirley Nelson Parsons, KS
Dorothy Gross and her husband, Charles Gross, Sr. Parsons, KS
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Lee Bradford; two brothers, Guy "Ricky" Owens and George Owens; grandparents, and one nephew, Stevie Owens.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time, Thursday, at the church.
Memorials are suggested to Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cicero L. Owens, Sr., please visit our flower store.
He was born September 6, 1951, in Parsons, Kansas, to Archie Lee Bradford and Mary E. (Conger) Owens. He grew up in Parsons where he attended Garfield Elementary School, Parsons Jr. High and Parsons High School.
At the age of 17, he attended Weaver Basin Job Corps where he received his G.E.D. While attaining his education at the job corps, his learning was extended in the fields of landscaping and heavy equipment operating.
After returning to Parsons, Cicero was a steady worker. Through the years, he was employed by Swift's and worked construction at various locations in Parsons including 32nd Street, Belmont, Corning, Katy Drive and Crawford streets. He later was employed by Larry Lamb Construction Company where he was taught all he thought he needed to know (and did) about true landscaping. His life was characterized by his nonjudgmental attitude, playful sense of humor and willingness to help others. He was an independent and private person and a free spirit that loved his family. He enjoyed fishing, barbequing, music and being outdoors. He also had learned to skate backwards with an expert figure eight skater.
He took great pride in working as a landscaper, planting trees on Interstate 70 and building waterfalls. He was most proud of the koi pond he designed and built for the Commerce Bank in Kansas City.
His favorite scripture was John 14:27, "Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid". His favorite songs were "The Best In Me" by Marvin Sapp and "Going Up Yonder". He especially enjoyed imitating blues singers.
He was a member of the Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Parsons.
Survivors include his family who he loved very much:
Special Companion, Carnetta Applewhite, and their son, Cicero Lee Owens, Jr. both of Kansas City, MO
Mother - Mary Owens Parsons, KS
Two brothers - Robert "Bobby" Owens and his wife, Brenda Temple, TX Clyde McGlory, Sr. and his wife, Mary Temple, TX
Two Sisters – Shirley Nelson Parsons, KS
Dorothy Gross and her husband, Charles Gross, Sr. Parsons, KS
Numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Lee Bradford; two brothers, Guy "Ricky" Owens and George Owens; grandparents, and one nephew, Stevie Owens.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until service time, Thursday, at the church.
Memorials are suggested to Watson Memorial Church of God in Christ. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Cicero L. Owens, Sr., please visit our flower store.
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