Leslie Columbus Owen

Leslie Columbus Owen, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022. “Mister Leslie”, as he was fondly known by many in his later life, was born in Boyles, AL, but grew up as a child in the Mississippi Delta as a sharecropper. He moved back to Birmingham. He proudly served his nation in the Navy during WW2. He married his late wife, Patricia Graham Owen, in 1952. He was a dedicated Firefighter in Birmingham, AL, earning the rank of Captain and was over the Drills and Training when he retired. He taught Fire Science at University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Later he worked for the state of Georgia where he made lifelong friends. He was a faithful Christian. He loved to spend time with his canine companions and he loved gardening. He loved sharing

music and playing the guitar. He particularly enjoyed funny songs with a punch line that made everyone laugh.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Birdie, father, Oscar, brothers, Elmer, Napoleon, Gloyd, his sisters, Lily Harris, Gladys Reed, and his twin sister, Listine Owen. He is survived by his three daughters, Diane Owen Tawbush (Don), Susan Owen and Leslie Owen Crosdale (Kareem), three granddaughters, Nichole Hill (K.C.), Rachael Tawbush, and Giovanna Crosdale, one grandson, Kai Owen Crosdale, one great-grand daughter Madilynn Anne Hill, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Steve Owen, Leslie's nephew, was a wonderful caretaker of Leslie and his family during this extended illness. Leslie and his nephew, Steve, had a tradition of sharing banana pudding. The family and Steve request that every time you have an opportunity and urge to have some banana pudding that you do so in Leslie’s honor. We know that remembering him in this way will put a smile on your face, just like Leslie always did!

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 19, at 2 pm. Visitation will begin at 12:30. The service will be held at Elmwood Chapel, 800 Dennison Ave S.W., Birmingham, AL 35211. A graveside service will immediately follow the chapel service. There will not be an organized funeral procession. Please make your way to the cemetery on your own. The cemetery is at Walker Chapel United Methodist Church (cemetery adjoining the church), 2407 Walker Chapel Rd, Fultondale AL 35068.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Owen family.