Bobby Frank "Handcrank" Owens

Bobby Frank Owens, also known as “Handcrank” on the CB radio, age 86, of Hillsboro passed away Friday, January 1, 2021, in Waco.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Hillsboro with Rev. Darrel Beggs officiating.  Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory.  Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, at the funeral home.  Face masks and social distancing are required.

Bobby was born June 21, 1934, in Bynum to James Orville “Obe” Owens and Mary (Smith) Owens Craig.

Survivors include his wife, Ina Faye Lampp Owens, whom he married on January 23, 1959, in Hillsboro.  They would have celebrated 62 years of marriage in a few weeks.  Other survivors include his three children, Paula Owens Keese and husband, Gary, Connie Owens Wilson and husband, Robert, and Jim Owens and wife, Christine; eight grandchildren, Natalie Keese Harris, Alicia Keese Olson, Joshua Keese, Robby Wilson, Jonathan Wilson, Abigail Wilson, Benjamin Wilson, and Luke Patrick Owens; six great-grandchildren, Bethany Harris, Lucy Harris, Easton Harris, Raylee Olson, Virginia (Ginna) Olson, and Emma Olson; niece, Becky Owens Bullock; great-nephew, Jacob Baker; and close first cousins, Melodye Smith Taylor and Marjorie Smith Elliott.

Preceding him in death were his parents, James Orville “Obe” Owens and Mary Craig; and brothers, Jerry Owens and Donald Owens.

He attended school in Irene, Abbott, and Hillsboro.  He began his working career by being employed for Charles Isenburg.  Bobby was active duty in the United States Army, where he received his GED, at Fort Hood from 1957-1960 and in the Reserves until 1964.  For 9 years, he was employed at Certain-Teed.  He then became a truck driver, driving for Robintech, Bilbo, Frank Brothers, and D. L. Williams.  Bobby was awarded several safe driving awards throughout his truck driving career.

Bobby loved a good, funny story and loved telling his stories to anyone who would listen.  He never met a stranger.  He could go to Wal-Mart and talk for 30 minutes to a complete stranger.  He loved antique cars and vehicles and always carried his Cushman membership card in his wallet.  Bobby also loved taking trips with the seniors from Central Baptist Church that Randy and Ann Ball coordinated.  Later in life, he and Ina Faye enjoyed road trips with their good friends, Milton and Lynda Frank.  He cherished his heritage and enjoyed visiting grave sites of his ancestors, where he would tell numerous stories.  He loved his dachshund dogs, Fred (now deceased) and Booger Bear. Bobby loved family reunions and attending Ramah Days in Teneha where his ancestors were buried.

The family asks that no flowers be given.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the HIM Food Bank, P. O. Box 793, Hillsboro, TX 76645; Hill County Paw Pals, P. O. Box 1533, Hillsboro, TX 76645; or the charity of your choice.