Robert Thomas “Bob” Owens of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away July 12, 2024, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Bob was born September 27, 1932, (or as he liked to say, “9-27- a long time ago) in Emporia, Kansas. He was the son of William P. and Loretta A. Owens. He graduated from Emporia High School, class of 1951.
During his youth, he worked cattle with his grandfather, two canneries in Oregon, and also worked for the Santa Fe Railroad. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard December of 1951 and proudly served on the USCGC Sweetbriar during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in June of 1954.
During his lifetime, he owned and operated 17 different businesses starting with a fireworks stand, several car washes including Robo Car Wash, Fill and Wash and Wash on Wheels. He owned a liquor store, three Pizza Huts, Patlyn Oil, Owens Oil, vending machines and several convenience stores. Bob donated yearly to St. Judes and Shriners Hospital.
Bob will be dearly missed by his family, daughter, Pamela Wait; brother, Carl Owens; grandchildren, Amanda James (Mark), Samuel Palmatier, and Kristin Wait; and great grandson, Korben Craigg, all of Hutchinson; several nieces and nephews; and his “buddies” McGuire (dog) and Mick (cat).
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Caralee Mueller; his son, Robert Wait; and the love of his life Patricia “Patty” Owens.
There will be a brief graveside service at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5905 W. 4th Ave. Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Victor Halfmoon officiating. Friends may sign the book on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave. Hutchinson, KS. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.