Owen Mincks

Owen Mincks, age 90, went Home to be with the Savior He loved and served faithfully on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Highlands Rehab in Bella Vista, AR. He was the third of four children born to Myron and Mary Mincks on February 24, 1923 during a blizzard. The doctor was not able to make it in time, nevertheless, his parents named him after the doctor, Owen King, who also delivered Owen's firstborn son, Terry Owen. Owen was raised in the Westport, South Dakota area, and graduated high school there. He was a basketball star, and their team went to the state. He played and was recruited by Northern State University to play on their team, but ended up going to North Central Bible College in Minneapolis for a time. He also boxed Golden Gloves, and played baseball. On March 31, 1946, Owen married Arlene Brown, who preceded him in death in 1982. To this union was born five children: Terry (Linda) Mincks, Tulsa, OK; Eldon (Nanci) Mincks, Bella Vista, AR; Melba (Paul) Schauer, Parker, CO; Reeta (Bill) Chubb, Allen Park, MI; and Rebecca (Randy) Ellendorf, Mission, SD. He made his living by farming near Westport. In 1955, Owen felt God leading to minister among the Native Americans of South Dakota. He ministered on reservations for several years, and then pastored in Sisseton, SD at Dacotah Gospel Assembly. He was ordained as a minister with the Assemblies of God in 1961. At that time, he was asked to teach at Trinity Bible College, which he did for eight years, going out to the reservations on the weekends and during the summer. Following that, he taught at Ozark Bible Institute in Neosho, MO for seven years. In 1978, he was appointed President of Central Indian Bible College in Mobridge, SD. In 1988, he was joined in marriage to Lynette Woodbeck, and they continued to pastor at Sisseton, SD where she had been living. Following that, they were appointed as the District Coordinators of Native American Ministries, which they continued until 1999. During that time, they also pastored two outstations and taught at Central Indian Bible College. In 2004, they moved to the White River, SD area to help establish a new Native church. Owen was with the US Missions of the Assemblies of God. In 2011, due to poor health, the Mincks moved to Bella Vista, AR to be closer to family. Owen was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Francis; his sisters, Jenny and Iona. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Arlene and his wife Barbara and a great grandson, Ezra. He is survived by his wife, Lynette, five children, 24 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. Owen's life was a influence on so many people--his family, friends, those he taught and even those who cared for him. He was greatly loved by all who knew him. If he were alive, he would say, "don't be sad because I'm walking and free from pain in God's wonderful and exciting Heaven." He leaves word that He'll be looking for all of you when your time to join him comes. Please be ready for that final call, don't miss Heaven whatever you do!

Owen Mincks

February 24, 1923 - July 28, 2013