Remembering Pastor Emeritus Reverend Lefate Owens Sr.

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Today an icon in the Michiana community is being remembered, Pastor Emeritus Reverend Lefate Owens Sr.

Owens Sr., who passed away earlier this month at the age of 89, served at the Community Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart for over 30 years before retiring in 2012.

His viewing and memorial service being held at Rhema International Outreach Ministries in Mishawaka.

Lots of people came out here to celebrate the life of Lefate Owens and people here say his leadership left a lasting impact.

Owens Sr. was born in 1934 in Mississippi and led a life of service.

He served in the United States army from 1955 to 1958 and was also a Commissioner on the Elkhart Housing Authority and served as pastor at the Community Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years.

Back in 2015, they even renamed the 200th block of Chapman Ave to Reverend Lefate Owens Sr Ave.

His grandson, Caleb Owens, is warmed to see so many people here honoring his grandfather's legacy.

“So seeing the support, having the support, the calls the messages, the hugs, the love and just celebrating, how he just touched everyone, and everybody's life just truly admirable,” said Caleb Owens.