Owens Donegan

Owens Donegan was the ninth of nine children born to Harvey and Sadie Donegan on August 10, 1938 in Holden, West Virginia. He departed this life on October 10, 2020 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. He was a driven, hard worker who was always looking for a better opportunity. After attending Bluefield State University in West Virginia, he married Cecile Gilreath on September 3, 1966. Soon joined the Army and left West Virginia seeking better economic opportunities. He and his wife went to Michigan and bought their first home in Detroit. Owens soon started working at Ford Motor Company and the legend of “OD” was born. He mastered every position in his area and quickly moved into management as a supervisor. Owens was a natural manager who demanded excellence and never minced words. His philosophy that “a manager should work himself out of a job because of how he develops his people.” held true throughout his more than 30 years with the company as he trained and prepared countless people for management positions. For many years, he was an avid league bowler and pinochle player. He also enjoyed fishing, live sporting events, including the Detroit Lions and Tigers, and he was a long time season ticket holder for the University of Michigan Wolverines football program. Every game in any season was a chance to coach, argue and enjoy a game. He spent many summer days in the backyard manning the grill while the Tigers were playing, holding court and letting anyone within earshot know how the team should be run and who should be traded. When he became a father, he was a doting and exacting parent. Owens did everything he could to provide opportunities and constantly emphasized the importance of education to guarantee future opportunities. He was very involved and present at all school and sports functions, being coach, umpire, builder of sets, and resident artist. He also taught many life lessons using object lessons and his own experience. Even though he called himself a “part-time Baptist”, he found a church home at Greater Haven of Rest Church of God in Christ. Owens became active in many of the church’s functions: helping in fundraising, making physical improvements, being active in the men’s group and eventually becoming the church’s treasurer. He also became a mentor to many of the church’s younger members. Beloved husband of the late Cecile for 39 years. Owens leaves his son, David (Catherine), grandchildren (Miles Christopher, Julian Wiley and Garrett David) and brother Russell (Patricia) to cherish his memory. There are a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends cherishing his memory. Family will receive friends Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 10am until the time of service at 12pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (btwn 13-14 Mile), (248) 549-0500.