Lawrence Ashby Owens
Lawrence Ashby Owens, 59, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on October 8, 1966, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Ashby was the son of Millard and Elizabeth Owens. He lived a life marked by generosity, humor, dedication, and deep love for his family and community. He was the beloved husband of Lesley Owens, whom he married on August 18, 1989, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering support for one another.
Ashby was a proud father to Andrew Blair Owens and Lindsey Ashton Owens, who were the center of his world. He is also survived by his sister, Lyda Berry, along with countless friends, colleagues, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.
He attended Dabney S. Lancaster Community College for two years before transferring to Roanoke College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts.
Ashby dedicated his life to serving others. He began his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the Clifton Forge Police Department and later with the Roanoke County Police Department. He eventually joined State Farm, where he served as a claims specialist for 30 years until his retirement. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation across Virginia for his professionalism, knowledge, compassion, and integrity.
A member of Second Presbyterian Church and the Virginia Athletic Association, Ashby had a passion for life that touched everyone who knew him. He loved golfing, collecting coins and baseball cards, and cheering on University of Virginia athletics, especially football, baseball, and basketball.
More than anything, Ashby loved creating memories with his family. Whether it was traveling to New York, Florida, or Maryland for baseball games, traveling abroad, attending Broadway performances, or simply exploring somewhere new together, he made every experience special. His children lovingly remember him for giving them what they jokingly called “food snob standards” — a testament to his incredible cooking. Ashby was widely known for his talent in the kitchen, and many openly criticized him for never opening a restaurant because his cooking was just that good. His meals, his passion for food, and the joy he brought to the table will be deeply missed.
Ashby was also known for the way he made people feel. He had a quick wit, an infectious sense of humor, and an energy that drew people to him instantly. He was endlessly generous, deeply kind, and someone who could make an entire room laugh within moments. Friends, coworkers, and everyone who crossed paths with him fed off his humor and energy. To know Ashby was to feel welcomed, entertained, supported, and cared for.
He also adored his beloved bulldog, Lola.
Ashby was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Elizabeth Owens, and his brother, Mickey Owens.
Ashby will be remembered for his loyalty, warmth, humor, remarkable work ethic, and the love he poured into every part of his life. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished so deeply and the countless lives he impacted along the way.
A memorial service will be held Monday, May 18, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church 214 Mountain Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia 24016. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540)366-0707.
