Rev. Lefate Owens Sr. Obituary (1934 - 2024)

A life spent in service to others and in unwavering devotion to faith is a life well-lived. So it was with Rev. Lefate Owens Sr., affectionately known as "Paw Paw" or "Lee" by those close to him. Born on July 14, 1934, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, Lefate's journey would lead him to touch countless lives with his kindness, wisdom, and commitment to the teachings of his faith. Lefate's life was one marked by steadfastness and dedication. On March 25, 1961, he married his beloved wife Ora Lee, a union that would prove to be a beacon of love and devotion for 63 years. Their love story was the cornerstone of a family that would grow to include their sons, Lefate (Hope) Owens Jr. of Michigan, Larry Owens and Rolando M. Owens both of Indiana, a cherished granddaughter Candice A. Anderson of Arizona, and an adored grandson Caleb (Malik) J. Owens of Georgia. His great-grandson Cameron (Marvin) E. Howell of Indiana added another layer of joy to Lefate's life, Camry (Damond) Y. Howell, Cherish A. Anderson, Camari A. Armstrong, and Cyncere M. Johnson as well. Lefate was even blessed to see his first great-great grandchild Damoni H. Paul. Lefate leaves two siblings Lowree (Wiley) McDonald-Ware of Indiana and Joe Kelley Owens of California, a brother-in-law Leon Davis Sr. of Indiana, who all remain to celebrate his memory. Lefate also leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins. By God's decision, Lefate was preceded in death by both his parents, Hermon Sr. and Birdie Lee (Prude) Owens, his daughters, Yolanda L. (Owens) Anderson and Belinda F. Owens, sisters Ruth O'Neal, Lois Davis, Frances Herrell, Martha Jane Ware, Daisy Geons, and brothers Hermon Owens Jr. and Charles Stewart. In his professional life, Lefate served in the United States Army from 1955-1958 and was a beacon of spirituality and guidance. In 1971 Lefate received his Public School Teachers Certificate from the State of Indiana, and began an educational career in vehicle mechanics with Ivy Tech Community College, but God had other plans. While attending Mt. Olive M.B. church, on February 1st, 1976 Lefate received his license to preach and in that same year in August, received his Certificate of Ordination, both under the leadership of the late Rev. Henry L. Gidon. He continued to preach there and at other congregations until he was called to become the pastor of Community M.B. Church of Elkhart, and preached his first sermon as pastor in January of 1980. While serving as pastor, he achieved several awards, certificates, and diplomas. Starting with receiving a diploma in Christian Theology in 1983 from the Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Indiana, pastoring through Community M.B. Church's renovation and laying the cornerstone in 1995, he was then appointed as a commissioner for the first time to the Elkhart Housing Authority by Mayor James Perron and for the next 20+ years by Mayors Dave Miller, Dick Moore, and Tim Neese also attending work shops and trainings with South Bend Community School Corporation and the Madison Center and Hospital in 2000. In 2002 Lefate was honored with Elkhart Black Expo's FIRST community service award during the Martin Luther King Jr. Program. He was awarded for being an instructor for the Northern Indiana Missionary Educational District Association Congress of Christian Education in 2004. He received a Continuing Education Certificate from Harbor Light Hospice and Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in 2006, he then joined the International Conference of Police Chaplains in 2007, and so much more. He served as a pastor at the Community Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart, Indiana, for 32 years before his retirement in 2012. After retirement he continued service on the Elkhart Police Department as a Chaplain, as well as with the housing Authority. With all of his work, Lefate received not one, but two keys to the City of Elkhart, first in 2013 by Mayor Dick Moore and secondly by who Lefate called his "Prodigal Son" Mayor Rod Roberson. In 2015, the City of Elkhart, honored and changed the 200 block of Chapman Ave, to "Rev. Lefate Owens Sr. Ave" to always remember the such HUGE impact Lefate had, from just a small block of the city. His leadership left a lasting impact on the community, as he guided them with wisdom, understanding, and kindness. In the words of Albert Schweitzer, "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." This quote encapsulates Lefate's mission throughout his life, a mission he carried out with grace and steadfastness. As we remember and celebrate Lefate's life, we encourage everyone who knew him to share their memories, stories, and photos on the memorial page. Each shared memory serves as a testament to Lefate’s impact and a comfort to those who mourn his passing. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he loved and served, and through these shared memories, we keep his spirit alive.