Jesse Owens

Jesse Lee Owens was born on August 12, 1955, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Eugene and Ola Mae Johnson Owens. He passed away peacefully, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 70 years, eight months, and sixteen days at Aspire Living Center in East Prairie, Missouri.

Jesse was known for his laid-back and easygoing nature. He was usually a quiet man with a warm sense of humor, but there were times when he enjoyed being loud and talkative, telling jokes, and making others laugh. He was easy to get along with and had a fondness for watching television, especially his westerns, and his favorite shows "Bonanza" and “Star Trek.”

Jesse took pleasure in fixing things around the house, often tinkering with lamps, bicycles, and lawn mowers. He worked as a maintenance man from Rickerson Folding Factory in Chicago, Illinois alongside his father for many years. He held several other positions in his field before retiring.

Jesse was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Kausoundra Levenia Owens, who he loved and cherished. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2017. In addition to his wife and his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Thomas L. Clemon, his brothers, Charles Owens and Willie Owens, sisters, Georgia Mae Owens, Margie Johnson, Elizabeth Ann Owens, infant twin brothers, Eugene and Gene Owens, his daughter-in-law, Paula Clemon.

He leaves behind cherished memories to be held by his five sons, Le'Nard Owens of Charleston, Missouri, Jesse Lee Clemon of Bloomington, Illinois, Damoni Clemon and Imari Clemon of Decatur, Illinois, and Lavar Ware of Madison, Wisconsin, his daughter, Lavarsia Ware of Bloomington, Illinois, his brothers Walter Lee Owens II of Chicago, Illinois and Tommy Owens of Charleston, Missouri, five sisters, Carla Marie Shaviss of Charleston, Missouri, Debra Faye Owens of Akron, Ohio, Maxine Riley Johnson and Patricia Ann Owens of Chicago, Illinois, and Gloriastine Johnson of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Jesse Lee Owens will be lovingly remembered for his gentle spirit, humor, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of those who knew him.

Friends may call Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri with Pastor Arthur Cassell officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Charleston with the Williams Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.