[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 60 (Thursday, April 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E285-E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING MR. JOHN BERNARD OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of Mr. John Bernard Owens, affectionately known as ``Gadget,'' a 
beloved father, grandfather, and community member whose legacy of love, 
generosity, and devotion to his family will continue to inspire all who 
knew him.
  Born on January 15, 1938, in Buffalo, New York, to the late John and 
Mary (Blount) Owens, Mr. Owens was one of eight children. He graduated 
from the Lackawanna School District, after which he spent over 30 years 
in the industrial industry, eventually retiring from the Buffalo Brake 
Beam Steel Company.
  Mr. Owens was an active member of the Greater Love Fellowship of 
Buffalo under the leadership of Elder George Herring. His deep faith 
and commitment to his community were always evident. Anyone who knew 
Mr. Owens knew he had many passions. He was a devoted family man, and 
to him, ``family was everything.'' He was known for his generosity, 
always giving and helping others in need. His love for his family and 
his desire to be there for others left a lasting impact on all who 
crossed his path.
  Mr. Owens was also a passionate sports fan. His favorite teams were 
the Buffalo Sabres and the Baltimore Ravens. He also had a great 
appreciation for music, especially the timeless songs of The Beatles, 
which brought him much joy throughout his life. Whether cheering for 
his teams or sharing his love for music, Mr. Owens brought joy to those 
around him.
  Mr. Owens was predeceased by several loved ones, including his wife 
Clara, son Jamar, grandson Derrick, and several siblings. He is 
survived by his children John (Voncille), Clarice, Michael (Marie), 
Terrance, Desiree, Rodney (Nan), and Anthony Owens; his sister Eunice 
(Lester) Hubbard; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 5 
great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, 
cousins, and friends.
  Mr. John Bernard Owens lived a life of devotion to his family, his 
community, and his faith. His unwavering commitment to those he loved 
and his generosity towards others made a profound impact on all who 
knew him. Mr. Owens was a man who believed in the importance of family 
above all else and worked tirelessly to provide for and support those 
around him. His kindness, loyalty, and the warmth of his heart will 
forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire all 
those whose lives he touched.

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