Robert "Dean" Owens

Robert “Dean” Owens, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, April 18, 2026. The family will host a Celebration of Life from 3 – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Manhattan Pavillion, 2250 Ellis Blvd. NW, Cedar Rapids.

Dean was born on September 22, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Robert J. and Leola (Joyce) Owens. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1955 to 1959. Dean married Evelyn M. Ferguson on March 23, 1957. He spent his career working in the vending department and as a route driver for the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company until his retirement.

In his early years, he was a Golden Gloves boxer and held a record in Cedar Rapids for the fastest knockout. Dean loved being outdoors, hunting, and fishing. In his later years, he enjoyed going to the casinos. Dean was also a big fan of the Yankees, Cubs, Bears, and Hawkeyes, and enjoyed watching college basketball.

Survivors include his sons, Dave and Darren; his grandchildren, Eric, Daryl (Cierra), Tori, and Dan (Amanda); his great-grandchildren, Daelyn, Adelyn, Darcie, Quinn, Daisy, Daphne, and Evelyn; his siblings, Doris (Mel) Burt, and Jim Owens; many nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law, Virginia Ferguson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Owens; his parents, Robert J. And Leola Owens; his daughter, Dena M. Owens; his brothers, Ray (Joyce) and Don (Elaine) Owens; and his brothers-in-law, Marvin, Louis, Warren (Janelle), and Raymond (Betty) Ferguson.

The family would like to thank DaVita Dialysis, UnityPoint St. Luke’s Hospital, UnityPoint Living Center West, VA Hospital, Heritage Specialty Care and Dr. Codgill.

Please share a memory of Dean at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.