Andre Owings, a well-known sports superfan from the Dayton area featured in the Dayton Daily News multiple times, passed away on August 8 at the age of 67.
His obituary describes Owings as a man of few words who lived life on his terms. He had a curious nature, often dismantling and reassembling equipment to understand how things functioned. A dedicated sports enthusiast, he enjoyed playing tennis and was a passionate spectator of a wide variety of sports, both in person and on TV.
Owings was a consistent presence at various sporting events in the Dayton area and was known as Dayton Public Schools’ biggest supporter. He regularly attended Dayton Flyers games. His final gesture was giving a “fist bump” to his brother before parting ways.
Fans of the University of Dayton fondly remembered Owings and paid tribute to him on social media. One fan remarked, “Andre was and is a great part of the UD football tradition. May he rest in peace.” Mike Monnier shared, “Andre would always stop by our tailgate before the game, grabbing a hot dog and cold drink just like family.” Adam Gutheil noted, “Andre is forever a legend in Dayton. Rest in peace to a true king.”
Bucky Albers first wrote about Owings in 1988, describing him as a devoted Dayton fan during a football game. He joked about Owings’ unique presence, likening him to Superman, as he would run up and down the track at Welcome Stadium.
In a column from 2000, Tom Archdeacon highlighted Owings’ constant attendance at University of Dayton football games. Jim Wheeler, who oversaw concessions at Welcome Stadium, remarked on Owings’ special routines, noting that he often helped direct the band during the national anthem and would occasionally address the crowd afterward, thanking fans with his distinctive deep voice.
A Dayton sports superfan died last week at 67. Tom Archdeacon told the story of Andre Owings in 2000. https://t.co/0ODatc8L8r pic.twitter.com/TvM7DAASG0
— David Jablonski (@DavidPJablonski) August 15, 2024
Owings regularly attended UD soccer and volleyball matches, Dayton Public Schools football games, and basketball games at his alma mater, Colonel White, before it closed in 2008, as well as various baseball and softball games across Dayton.
“Andre has been a familiar face here over the years,” said former UD football coach Mike Kelly. “I can’t explain why or how, but I’d feel a bit out of place on the sidelines without him.”
Owings was deeply knowledgeable about the teams he followed, dedicating time to studying them.
“I get up at noon and read the newspaper—specifically the sports section,” he told Archdeacon in 2000.
His obituary states that Owings spent his last months at Sienna Woods Skilled Nursing Facility. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Owings Sr. and Octavia Mitchell Owings, and his brother, George Owings Jr.
He is survived by his brother, Richard (Vermelle) Owings Sr.; sister, Sarah Owings; nephews Kenneth (Sjoukie) Washington Sr. and Richard Owings Jr.; niece Katina Hill; seven grandnieces; four grandnephews; two great grandnieces; two great grandnephews; aunt Catherine Curry; along with many cousins and friends.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday at the House of Wheat Funeral Home in Dayton. Visitation will take place from 9-11 a.m., with the family greeting friends from 10-11 a.m.
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