Owen M. Knox Sr.

Springfield, MA - Owen Michael Knox Sr., 72, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26th, 2024 at his home. Owen, a native of New Orleans, LA, was born on April 16, 1951 to the late McBurnett J. Knox Sr. and Esther W. Knox. Although he would reside in Boston and Springfield, MA in adulthood, he made it clear that he was a “a southern boy” just “passing through”.

As a child coming up in New Orleans, Owen attended Bush Elementary School, followed by Blessed Sacrament School. He attended Blessed Sacrament Church, where he proudly served as an altar boy. Next, he would briefly attend St. Augustine High School, but would graduate with his high school diploma from Fortier High School.

Post-graduation, Owen would leave New Orleans to attend Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, MS and continue his education at the nation’s first HBCU, Jackson State University. There he would earn his Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation in 1971, he would make the move to Massachusetts, where he would put down roots.

Once he arrived in Boston, Owen would embark on a lifelong career of helping people, and wasn’t afraid of hard work. He began working and gaining experience in the field of Human Services. He served as a counselor in many arenas. Some of these which were with inmates at Deer Island House of Correction, serving as a Mental Health Counselor at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a Job Development Counselor at Dorchester Counseling Center, a Counselor at Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and lastly, before retiring, Carney Hospital. He was successful in his career because he cared about people. While continuing to work in his field, Owen continued his educational pursuits and obtained his Master’s. He graduated from Boston University with a Master’s of Education in 1979.

That same year, Owen would have another cause for celebration. A mutual friend introduced Owen to the late Evelyn Williams. Through this union, he would become a father of his only child, Owen M. Knox Jr., who he loved tremendously.

Owen enjoyed people. He was always willing to help people. He had a knack for lightening up a situation, and helping one see the bright side of things…often times with a joke. His comedic nature made him a welcome party to any circle. He loved to dance, play and watch basketball games (especially those of his grandkids), loved cars, and most importantly, his family and friends. He loved having friends and had many of them. Although he had been gone from New Orleans for decades, he remained close to relatives and friends back home, often keeping in touch through weekly phone calls. One of his best and favorite roles in life was being a grandfather. He loved watching his grandchildren grow and develop, play sports, and experience life. They were certainly his weakness, as he was just in awe of them. Pipa, as he was named by his eldest granddaughter, was ever-present at games, graduations, holidays, phone calls…he will be greatly missed.

Owen M. Knox Sr. was predeceased by his parents, McBurnett James Knox Sr. and Esther Ruby Williams Knox. In addition to his parents, was also predeceased by his brother McBurnett James Knox Jr., sisters Mae Louise Knox Lee and Althea Knox Deterville, and lifetime friends Herman Williams and Walter G. Mallette.

Owen M. Knox Sr. is survived by his son Owen M. Knox Jr. and his wife, Malinda Knox, his brother Wendell J. Knox Sr. and his wife, Lucile Algere Knox, grandchildren Ava J. Knox, Ella I. Knox, Owen M. Knox III, and Avery S. Knox. In addition, he is survived by nephews McBurnett J. Knox III, Wayne D. Knox, Karl Knox, Marc P. Knox, Robert E. Lee, Wayne D. Lee, Wendell J. Knox Jr., Matthew A. Knox, Clinton E. Knox, and nieces Carmen Knox Dickerson and Lynne M. Lee. He is also survived by many cousins including Lucille Conley, Gladys Allen Smith, Charles Allen, Michael Allen, Marlon Allen, LaMonica Threet, Ronald Stevens, Harry Williams, and Gloria Stevens Allen. Owen is also survived by numerous great-nephews, great-nieces and a host of family and dear friends.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend Funeral Service at Bethlehem Church, 123 Allen Street, Hampden, MA 01036 on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10am. Interment to follow immediately at Gate Of Heaven Cemetery, 421 Tinkham Road, Springfield, MA 01129.

New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Owen’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.