Lawrence Clifford Owens

Lawrence Clifford Owens (Big Daddy) affectionally know as LC was born on October 26, 1947, to Curnetus Owens and Audra McLaurin in McGee, Mississippi. LC was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. 

LC attended Urbana High School where he played football.  In 1964, he was a part of the team that won the Big 12 Championship. 

“L.C.” became employed with the University of Illinois, in 1970, employed as a Storekeeper and later promoted to a Locksmith. In 1999, he received one of the University’s most prestigious honors, the Chancellor’s Distinguished Staff Award.  After 32 ½ years of dedicated service, he retired in 2002. In 2002, he began his career at Owens Family Day Care Connections as he volunteered the first 16 years as executive chief, transportation, and lead positive behavior reinforcement specialist. His wife often reminded him that a salary wasn’t important due to his 32 ½ of service at the University of Illinois. The last four years LC has received a hefty salary for his dedicated and committed service to his very own business.

LC married the love of his life Del Elaine in June of 1992.

LC coached boys’ basketball in Urbana, IL and was a Pee-wee football coach for over 20 years.

LC later united with Salem Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Claude E. Shelby, where he served in a plethora of church ministries; LC was past President of Usher Board, President of Laymen Ministries, Culinary Committee, Assisted with Grandma Soup Kitchen, Men’s Choir and weekly he delivered bread to various community members and non-profit organizations for over 25 years. 

LC found passion in cooking, duty, and service. Service was a major part of his life. While many saw his humorous, humble, patient, and wise personality. We all found comfort in in his wonderful spirit, whenever he was in our presence. LC communication skills often lead to his wife waiting in the car for an hour when he was running in the store for a few items. LC never met a stranger. 

“L.C.” is also involved in his community.  In 1998, he was honored by the National Council of African American Men (NCAAM) and received the Community Service Humanitarian Award.  In 2000, he and his wife Elaine were honored as Foster Parents of the Year and presently operate a daycare.  He is a member of the Hall of Fame Committee for Urbana High School.

He is the first to volunteer to cook for family gatherings, special programs and meetings at Salem and has worked with both Carle and Provena Hospitals preparing meals there as well. The King Elementary School PTA officially named “L.C.” and his wife Elaine “Honorary Chefs”.  His love for people, especially children, is admirable.

His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6…” Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.”  When asked what advice he had for our youth today, especially young, Black boys, he responded by saying…”whatever you do, always strive for more knowledge because the knowledge you obtain, no one can take it away.”​

LC was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather,great grandfather, god father and mentor. He leaves to cherish his memories with his wife, Del Elaine Wilson-Owens of Urbana, IL, his daughters, Myles Owens (Alexander) of Urbana, IL, Lucinda Smith (Glenn Sr.) of Champaign, IL and Yolanda Wilson of Hapeville, GA and 1 son Steven Thompson of Kankakee. He also leaves behind 5 sisters Martha Owens of Laurel, MS, Mary Huff of Urbana, IL, Mamie Kindle (William), of Urbana, IL, Rev. Linda Diane Owens of Bollingbrook, IL and Molly Sue Davis of Byron, MS. Eight God children, Raenise Hall, Gina Moton, Kelli Bahler, Yolanda Hollins, Tiana Harris, Ulanda Hunter, and Quantrel Hedrick (Kalie). 18 grandchildren: Armon, Infinity, Amarion, Kehera, Kobe, Airiana, Glenn Jr., Asia, Jewell, Victor, Dylan, Xavier, Anterrio, Shawntez, Maurice, Steven Jr., Ste’fani, Zarie and 16 great grandchildren. 5devoted friends Bob Ward, Evelyn Hickman, Arthalia Rogers, Dorothy Carter, and Benita Rollins-Gay.  

A homegoing Celebration will commence at 11:00 a.m. June 10 at Salem Baptist Church, 500 E. Park St.,The Rev. Linda D. Owens will officiate. A visitation will begin at 9:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

A public viewing will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00  p.m. June 9 at Salem Baptist Church.

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