Leslie Craig Owens, III,age 25 of Trotwood, Ohio was born in Dayton, Ohio on April 29, 1995. He departed this life unexpectedly on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Ft. Thomas Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his sister Alexis Paige, grandparents JoAnn and Eddie Joe King, Leslie “L.C.” Owens, Sr.
Craig-O as he was affectionately known by his family and friends was a sweet soul whose smile would light up a room. He was always striving to be his best and had a strong entrepreneurship mind frame. His love of sports and giving back to others was just several of his passions. He had done a lot in his short time on earth and impacted so many lives. He was a graduate of Dunbar High School class of 2013. Craig served in the United States Air Force and Reserves. Craig loved his family and enjoyed being in the same space as everyone especially during the holidays. After his time in the service, he had started a new journey in life and was attending Northern Kentucky University where he was pursuing a degree in Business/Construction Management. Craig had big plans of starting his own construction business and becoming his own boss. He loved to get away and travel and looked forward to his next getaway.
Craig leaves to cherish his memory his mother Terri King (Muncie, Indiana), and father Leslie “June bug” Craig Owens, Jr. (Toni) (of Dayton, Ohio). His grandmother Evelyn Trigg, his two loving aunts/second momsJacqueline "Renee" Owens (Willie), and Tamara (Eric) Milner; sisters Peyton (of Muncie, Indiana), Samone, and Leilani, brother/best friend Eric Dontrel, Uncles Billy, Charles and Dwight Brown (of Springfield, Ohio), Kim (Debbie) King (of Tulsa Oklahoma), Eddie (Tambra) King, Sr., Neil King (Muncie, Indiana), Stefon (Naomi) King (of Kansas City, Kansas); Aunts Crystal (Phil) Tassin (of Pontiac, MI), Lisa King (of Indianapolis, Indiana) his one and only niece/birthday twin Willow Zandria. Great Uncles Tommy Trigg, Melvin (Gail) Owens, (ofDayton, OH), and Johnny (Debra) Pritchett (of Montgomery, AL), Great Aunt’s Nancy (Lloyd) Cox, Louise (Willie) Billingsley, Hazel Powell, Patricia Logan, Annie-Mae Groves, Theresa (Billy) Brooks, Brenda Ham (Steve) (all of Dayton, OH), Virginia Bratchett (of Cincinnati, OH), and Tammy Owens (of Montgomery, AL). The love of his life, his girlfriend Kaliah Watterson (of Louisville, Kentucky). He also leaves behind his cousins Domonic, Dosjine, Odyssee, Lil' Charles, Charlie, Le’Teah, Jason, Eboni, Deanna, Kiara, Eddie, Jr., Michael, Neil, Jr. Celesia, Joshua, Shekinah, Christopher, Emerald, and Alexandria. Craig also had a loving group of cousins he kept in his inner circle that will cherish his memories as well: Jabriel, Lil Tyson, Kassey, Shawn, Diamond, Brionna, Tynessa and Tyshawna, Aliya, Donovan, Dwight, and Davion. His Military Crew: Jalen, Jabron, DeAndre, Everette, Corey, Chenique, and Anthony. The NKU Squad whom he always exchanged dialogue on their big dreams and shared many good times together. He is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members and friends including The Vaughn Family in Louisville, Kentucky with whom he created many memories with.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church (5301 Olive Road/Trotwood Oh). Viewing will begin at 11:00am and service to follow at 12:00pm. Interment will be held at Dayton National Cemetery.
Professional arrangements entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory.