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Visitation:
Friday, September 26, from 5 - 7p.m. at Full Gospel
Evangelistic Center.
Service:
Saturday, September 27, at 11 a.m. also at Full
Gospel.
Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral
Home
Obituary
Rev. Oscar Owens, born June 11,
1935, went to be with the Lord in his heavenly home
on September 19, 2025. A devoted servant of God,
loving husband, father, grandfather, and
great-grandfather, he leaves behind a legacy of
faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication to God,
his family, and community.
Born in Wardell, MO, Oscar grew up in the cotton
fields until the age of 12 when his family moved to
Leroy Il. Known forbeing shy, Oscar accepted Jesus
as his savior and was filled with the Holy Ghost at
age 19, which transformed him into a mightywitness
for the Lord from that day until his passing.
Oscar married his beloved Carlene on August 10,
1957, in Bloomington, IL. Oscar and Carlene where
the embodiment of 2 flesh becoming one. The love
they had for each other was endless, and enduring,
always preferring and caring for the otherover
themself. Together, they built a life rooted in
faith and family. He is survived by his loving and
devoted wife, Carlene Owens; their children, Debbie
(Paul) Ayappa of Lincoln, Jody (Les) Van Bibber of
Mackinaw, and Steve (Debbie) Owens of Lincoln;
grandchildren, Josh (Christina) Long, Sarah Van
Bibber-Jones, Amber (Tyler) Leipold, Jared (Mandy)
Owens, Zach (Annie) Ayappa, Jordan Owens, Katie
(Ira) Embery,Josalyn Owens; great-grandchildren,
Tyler Long, Makenzie Van Bibber, Zachary Long, Jacob
Long, Alyssa Long, Hayden Leipold, Landon Leipold,
Hudson Ayappa, and Henley Ayappa; Brothers Benny
(Jerry) Owens, Wendell Owens, Jerry (Sandy) Owens,
David (June) Owens; one sister, Carol Phelps;
brother in law Chuck (Bobbie) Stepp; and many nieces
and nephews. His warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit
touched the lives of all who knew him.
Oscar and Carlene served the Lord with devotion at
Bethel Church in Bloomington, IL for many years
before answering the call to pastor Full Gospel
Evangelistic Center in Lincoln in February 1977. He
was ordained with the Bethel Ministerial Association
for 50 years and served on its executive board of
directors. Rev. Owens led the congregation of Full
Gospel with steadfast faith and love until his
retirement as Senior Pastor in April 2011 when he
passed the torch of pastor to his son and daughter
in law, Steve and Debbie. Upon retirement, he was
elevated with the title of Bishop, a role he
faithfully fulfilled until his passing. With over 48
years in ministry, Rev. Owens was one of Lincoln’s
longest-serving pastors, leaving an indelible mark
on the community through his sermons, mentorship,
and tireless service.
Nothing brought Oscar greater joy
than his family. He cherished playing ball with his
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, pulling them
in a wagon behind his tractor, and taking them on
golf cart rides around the property. He was a
constant presence at their school activities,
cheering them on with pride and love. Oscar also
loved going on family vacations. The opportunity to
see new places with loved ones gave him great joy.
He had a tremendous love for the nation of Israel
and was blessed to travel to the Holy Land 2
separate times, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
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In his later years, Oscar found deep
fulfillment in reading the Bible and other books to
Carlene, their shared moments strengthening their
lifelong bond. He spent hours in daily prayer,
interceding for his family, church, and nation, with
a heart full of hope and devotion. His faith and
love for his family were the cornerstone of his
life, inspiring all who knew him.
June 14, 2025, he was blessed to celebrate his 90th
birthday with a party welcoming friends and loved
ones, many traveling across the country to attend.
His legacy endures in the countless lives he touched
through his ministry, his commitment to spreading
the Gospel, and his ability to inspire faith and
hope. To truly and accurately convey his legacy
would require a book. Known for his compassionate
heart and unwavering dedication, Rev. Owens was a
beacon of light to his congregation and beyond.
Visitation will be Friday, September 26, from
5pm-7pm. A celebration service honoring Rev. Owens
will be on Saturday, September 27, at 11:00am. Both
events will be held at Full Gospel Evangelistic
Center, located at 304 N. McLean St, Lincoln, IL.
Memorials honoring Rev. Owens may be made to Full
Gospel Evangelistic Center, the place he loved with
every fiber of his being.
The family invites all who knew Rev. Owens to join
in celebrating his remarkable life and ministry.
They express their heartfelt gratitude for the love
and support of Full Gospel and the community during
this time. In the words of John 14:2, “In my
Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so,
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you,” a verse that reflects the faith that guided
Rev. Owens’ life.
His final message to everyone is found in Romans
10:13, which reads: "For 'whoever calls on the name
of the Lord shall be saved.’”
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Rev. Oscar Owens
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