Obituary of Charles L. Owens

Dansville- Charles L. Owens, 93, of 29 Bank Street, Dansville, passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris, where he had resided since March. He was born July 23, 1920, in Groveland, son of Frank and Zora (Hurlburt) Owens. On November 24, 1944, he married June Kiehle in the Dansville Presbyterian Church. June, Charlie's beloved wife of 68 years, survives. Charlie grew up in Groveland and attended Groveland School graduating as valedictorian. He began his career in trucking in 1941, as a milk hauler. In 1943, his milk route dwindled and he began hauling beans and wheat for G.L.F. and also beans for Lake and Lake of Groveland. In 1945, he and his brother John began Owens Bros. Trucking. They hauled potatoes to PA and Ohio. Their trucking of wine began in 1948, and expanded through 1959. In 1961, they incorporated as Owens Bros. Inc. and their business expanded even further. Charlie's business flourished as they hauled wine from Naples and Hammondsport to points throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Upon Charlie's retirement in 1989, Owens Bros. Inc was dissolved and his son Frank began transporting some of the freight. Charlie was active in the Boy Scout organization when his sons were of scouting age. He was a life member of the Presbyterian Church of Dansville and always enjoyed a good game of golf with friends. Charlie and his family camped extensively in the United States and Canada when his sons were youngsters. The love of travel and camping continued throughout his life. Charlie and June made and maintained many friendships across the country in their years of traveling. Both the traveling and the friendships were a passion for both of them. After retirement, Charlie and June enjoyed winters in Arizona and Florida in their Kropf travel trailer. In addition to his wife June, Charlie is survived by his sister, Bernice Slawson of Charlottesville, VA; three sons, Frank (Lois) of Arkport; Howard (Betty) of Columbia, TN; and George (Valerie) of Winterset, IA. Charlie had 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Charlie was predeceased by his sister Evelyn, his brother John and John's wife Doris and his brother-in-law Hugh Slawson. Friends may call Monday, November 4 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at the Hindle Funeral Home, Inc. 271 Main St. in Dansville, where funeral and committal services will be held Tuesday, November 5 at 11 AM. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Groveland. Online remembrances may be left at HindleFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 11 Murray Hill Drive, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or to the charity of your choice.