Owen Eugene Francis, I

Owen Eugene Francis was born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on March 25, 1934, Owen heard the Master’s trumpet as he quietly entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 14, 2024. He is the youngest of the late Harold and Evelyn Francis two sons. He was blessed with a long life and is preceded in death by his parents; brother Harold, Jr.; sister-in-law Bertha; former wives, Andrea Michele Lewis Francis and Faye Anna Burden Francis; two daughters, Deborah Jean Francis and Georgianna Lewis Johnson and a great grandchild. Owen matriculated through the New Jersey public school system and graduated from Southside High School which is now known as Shabazz High School in Newark, New Jersey. As a teenager, Owen discovered his love of music and was a gifted trumpet player and singer. While still a very young man, at the age of eighteen he married his first wife Mildred Adams Francis and out of that union was born two daughters, Patricia Lyn and Deborah Jean Francis (deceased). Pursuing his love for the entertainment world, Owen spent a lot of time away from home, working in clubs, traveling with bands and performing all over the world. Throughout the 1950s and sixties he played the trumpet in numerous jazz bands, including playing for famous jazz singer Nat King Cole. He also did some acting, performing in plays off Broadway, such as “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Othello”, even playing each Christmas in the “The Messiah”. Known as a charming ladies’ man, Owen was a smooth talker and as time passed his first marriage ended. He later met and married Andrea Michele Lewis (deceased) who brought into this relationship her daughter, Georgianna Lewis (deceased) and from this union they had a son, Owen Lamont Francis. As an adult, he worked for a paint company called Reliant and maintained two jobs to take care of his family. Determined to be a better father and role model for his son, Owen took his son everywhere with him, teaching him about life. He’d point out the different people on the streets in the neighborhood, sharing life lessons on what to do and not to do in order not to end up like the prostitutes and drug dealers. Every Sunday, he’d take Lamont to church with him to hear him sing in the choir where he'd sing the Episcopal hymns in Latin and English. Their father and son bond remained close through his lifetime and is a staple in Owen’s family legacy. In 2005, Owen married his last wife, Faye Anna Burden (deceased) and they were together until her death in November 2020. During his later years he enjoyed working for a company that gave out free samples in Costco Wholesale. His favorite breakfast was cheerios and fruit cups, that he ate daily. He lived his life on his own terms and he’d greet everyone with a “What’s up Doc” and if he’d have to step away, he’d say “gonna be right back”. He also would say “Hey, hold on a minute, gotta go see a man about a horse” when he needed to be excused. Owen continued living independently in his New Jersey home, driving himself around and remained in good condition until he became ill a couple of months prior to his death. Those closest to him will treasure the many moments shared over the years, moments like in March on his 90th birthday, dining out in his special restaurant on the river overlooking New York City. Owen is survived by his daughter, Patricia Lyn Francis; son, Owen Lamont (Chante`) Francis; Grandchildren: Laroy, Lamont and Lonnel Melton; Al-tariq Suggs; Jaimon Lewis; Alexis, Mikayla and Madisen Francis; nine living great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives

Tributes

Owen Eugene Francis, I

March 25, 1934 - July 14, 2024