Dr. Leycester Owens, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Sioux Falls. He was 80.

Dr. Leycester Owens, Jr., MD, born on D-Day, June 6, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, was the eldest son of Doris Buchanan and Leycester Owens, Sr. He enjoyed a happy childhood, often shining shoes alongside his brother, Elwood, in their father's barbershop on 6th Avenue.  Leycester's father often encouraged the boys to "go into a profession where you can help people," and said that both sons would be doctors, and they did just that.

Leycester graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and was the first person in his family to go to college, where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Society at the University of Richmond. Leycester attended medical school at the Medical College of Virginia, where he was elected as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society.

During his surgical residency, he met his bride, Helen Outen, on a blind date set up by a mutual friend, where they played tennis.  They were married on July 20, 1974, in Richmond, Virginia.

Leycester served as a Major in the U.S. Army at Martin Army Hospital, formerly known as Fort Benning, Georgia, where he worked as a general surgeon. After his military service, he completed his residency in cardiovascular surgery at Emory University.

In the summer of 1980, after a fortuitous meeting with a future colleague in Chicago, Leycester relocated his wife, Helen, and their young son, Leycester III, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There, he co-founded North Central Heart with a small group of talented cardiothoracic surgeons and cardiologists. In 1999, Leycester and his partners opened the Heart Hospital of South Dakota. He often expressed deep admiration for his fellow physicians and felt privileged to work alongside them, as well as the exceptional nurses and staff. A colleague once described him as "the most elegant cardiovascular surgeon [he] had ever known." Beloved by his patients, Leycester was known for his compassionate bedside manner, once even performing surgery in exchange for three pairs of army socks.

A true renaissance man, Leycester was not only a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon but also a licensed barber, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. He had the honor of giving each of his grandchildren their first haircut. An avid sportsman, some of Leycester's most treasured memories were from hunting and fishing trips with family and close friends. He was also an expert on the Titanic and captivated friends and family with his knowledge, even writing a play on the 100th anniversary of its sinking in 2012. Leycester was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Earlier this year, Leycester celebrated his 80th birthday and his 50th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Helen. In his card to her, he wrote, "If I could push a button and do the last 50 years over again, I surely would!"

Leycester is survived by his brother, John Elwood Owens (and wife, Donna); his wife, Helen Outen Owens; and his three children: Leycester Owens III (and wife, Christine), Helen Owens Martinez (and husband, John Martinez), and Elizabeth Owens Parsons (and husband, Ronald Parsons, Jr.). He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Leycester IV and Cooper Owens, Virginia and Tindal Martinez, and Charlotte and George Parsons.  Leycester often used a slogan from the AirForce to encourage his children and grandchildren to do their best.  We love you and we will always "Aim High!"

A visitation will take place at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 5-7PM.  There will be a private funeral and internment on Saturday, October 12, 2024.  In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to one of the following organizations or the charity of your choice:

Food Pantry-Feeding South Dakota, (605) 335-6921; 4701 N. Westport Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD  57107

Bishop Dudley Hospitality House, (605) 809-8424; 101 N. Indiana Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD  57103