Charles “Toppy” Owens
Psalm 116:15 How precious to the Lord is the death of His saints. This is what family and friends are concentrating on now as they grieve over the loss of their dear Father, Son, Brother, Grandfather (affectionately called Partner), Uncle, Cousin, and friend.
On April 17th, Charles Owens, Jr. (Toppy) passed quickly and unexpectedly from this life to the eternal life he so fondly anticipated. Toppy graduated form the University of Arkansas with a BA in English in 1966 and received a Masters in creative writing at SMS in Springfield, MO. Toppy worked as a teacher, football coach, and insurance agent. He spent the last 23 years of his career as the owner of the White River Insurance Agency in Mountain View, Fairfield Bay, and Clinton, where he devoted himself to serving those clients that he came to know and love.
An active member and past Chairman of the ASGA, Toppy and his Father, Charles Owens, were recently featured in a special “Arkansas Golfer” article that highlighted their many years of golfing together.
Toppy followed in his father’s footsteps was an avid Razorback football supporter. They have kept the same seats in Razorback stadium for almost 50 years.
His faith in Jesus Christ was firmly and deeply rooted in the promises of God’s word, which he read daily. He was very active in the First United Methodist Church in Mountain View and enjoyed his men’s Bible Study group. A Lay Minister, a highlight of any given Sunday was the opportunity to preach at area churches.
Toppy’s love for his children and grandchildren was unequaled. He was devoted to them and continued to make plans to be involved in their interests. He often prayed a prayer learned from his Grandmother, that all would be saved “without the loss of one”. He also prayed from Psalm 133, How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity, it is like the precious oil that ran down Aaron’s beard, it is like the dew of Herman that descended on the mountains of Zion.
Toppy was preceded in death by his dear Mother, Jean Winburne Owens. He is survived by his father, Charles Owens of Morrilton, sister Melinda (Lin) Carnahan (Gary) of Hot Springs, sons David of Fayetteville, Josh of Madison MS, and Jordan of Fayetteville, Daughters Judy Altman (Mike) of Joplin, MO, and Abby Lacy (David) of Houston, TX, and seven dear Grandchildren, Scott, Josh, Jordan, Joshua Belt, Sarah, Owen, and Eli, and many beloved cousins, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 19th at the First United Methodist Church in Mountain View where the Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 20th at 2 pm. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Fayetteville at 1:00 pm on April 21st. Pallbearers will be Roger Goodwin, Kenneth Sutton, Bob Byrd, Ron Sapp, Jerry May, Carl Adkins, Steve Hickman, and Scott Beck.
