Leon Owens, Jr.

Leon Owens Jr. was born February 1, 1949, to the late Leon Owens Sr. and Truzella Rhodes Owens. Leon was a native of Colorado Springs and a graduate of William Palmer High School in the Springs. He accepted Christ at an early age at the historic Friendship Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. His love of Christ would lead Leon to a long career as one of the most prominent gospel radio personalities in the West. Leon attended Southern Colorado State College, now known as CSU Pueblo, before being drafted into the United States Army. He served his country well as a Combat Medic with the 26th Engineer Battalion during the Vietnam War. Service and faith defined so much of Leon Owens—he was a faithful servant of Christ and to his community. Leon understood that “faith without works is dead” and his works were many. He served as President of the Denver Housing Issues Taskforce and fought tirelessly for affordable housing and fair housing practices, combining his passion for mortgage banking with his passion as a Christian. He used his voice to serve others, and to serve the Lord. Leon’s devotion to his wife was deep and enduring. He married the love of his life, Sybil Elaine Smith on November 1, 1980, and they were married for nearly four decades. From their union, three wonderful children were born: Sebrina Dene, Jason Leon, and Tyson Joshua. Leon was a very proud and amazing father. He praised his children, and set an example to love, nurture and care for each other and their family. He was a devoted grandpa, and nothing gave him more joy than spoiling his grandsons with toys, muffins and juice. Leon’s definition of family was inclusive and expansive; to him, family was the community and he shared himself and his family with that community. Leon was ever-present for his children and his wife, Sybil and was there to support and love them through all of life’s ups and downs. His family and friends will always cherish their memories of Leon on the golf course, watching Star Trek, and his sense of style, for Leon was a man of fashion who knew how to dress. Leon was a proclaimer of the Gospel—it was his life. Like his father, he wanted to tell everyone the Good News. He’d talk with people anywhere he could, whether on the sidewalks, at the grocery store, gas station, or the golf course, to offer an encouraging word. He loved to talk, he loved people, and he wanted people to feel loved and special. This was his passion and his calling. He understood and loved the power of Gospel music and this was his tool to encourage people and change communities. Leon Owens was the voice of KLDC, The Gospel Power of the Rocky Mountains. He built KLDC from the ground up not only as a radio station, but as a platform that elevated the voices of African American pastors and community leaders. He used KLDC to make a lasting change and impact in the African American Community in Denver and the Rocky Mountain Region. His voice may now be hushed, but it will be forever heard. Leon’s favorite scripture, Jeremiah 39:11, speaks for him: “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Even now he offers us encouragement. For us, he is gone too soon, but our Heavenly Father is all-knowing and wise. Leon lived and died by His word. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon Owens, Sr. and Truzella Owens. Leon Owens Jr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on September 9, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss, include the love of his life, Sybil E. Smith Owens of Aurora, Colorado; 1 daughter, Sebrina D. Owens-Wilson (Andrew Wilson) of Centennial, Colorado; 2 sons, Jason L. (Kelly) Owens, of Denver, Colorado and Tyson J. (Brooke) Owens of Aurora, Colorado; 1 brother, Dennis Owens of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 1 sister, Joan Rhodes-Owens of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; 4 grandchildren, Isaac J.A. Wilson, Evan J.F. Wilson, Aaron D.B. Wilson all of Centennial, Colorado and Miles L.C. Owens of Denver, Colorado, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and a multitude of friends, and a grateful community.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 9/15/2018 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 9/16/2018 at 3:00 PM - St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 9/18/2018 - Staging Area Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO