Our Staff 

Robert Owens

Co-Owner-Funeral Director and Memorial Care Specialist

Robert Owens was born in Shawnee, graduated from Shawnee High School in 1973, and has been a part of Shawnee area funeral service for many years. Robert first started in funeral service in 1998 when he joined his father, Bob Owens, at Gaskill Funeral Chapel where Bob faithfully served for over 54 years. 

He began in the funeral business by selling pre-arranged funerals at both Gaskill-Owens Funeral Chapel and Resthaven Funeral Home of Shawnee. Robert attended college at The University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond and received a BS degree in funeral service.  Later, Robert worked as Market Sales Manager for the Alderwoods Group, serving as a marketing manager for over 60 funeral homes and 13 cemeteries over a 3 state area.  He later returned to Shawnee in the capacity as General Manager of Gaskill-Owens Funeral Chapel and Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park of Shawnee.

Shortly after 2003, Robert moved to Okmulgee, Oklahoma where he was employed by Shurden Funeral Homes in Henryetta and Okmulgee.   Robert worked as a location manager for Shurden’s until 2008.  In 2009, he partnered with two other funeral directors in Henryetta and built and managed a brand new funeral home, Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.  It continues to operate successfully today.

In 2020, Robert partnered with long-time friend and funeral director Mike McElyea to open McElyea & Owens Funeral Group and is glad to be back living in Shawnee again.

Robert is married to Detria Owens.  He has two sons, Jud Owens and Jared Owens, who live with their wives in Edmond, Oklahoma and Georgetown, Texas.  He also has a step-daughter, Shanna Anderson of Morris.  Robert has 3 grandsons and 1 grandaughter.

Telephone: 1-405-695-5006

Email: 

Bill Rosko

Co-Owner-Ambassador and Pet Funeral Home Manager

Co-Owner-Ambassador and Pet Funeral Home Manager

Sales & Marketing Manager

Bill Rosko was born in Bartlesville and graduated from Sooner High School in 1977.  

From 1978 to 1984 he attended college at Oklahoma State University, then he transferred tothe University of Oklahoma.  In 1985 he joined Rodman Textiles/Keeton Industries, Inc., of Oklahoma City and became involved in marketing and sales of the cotton textiles division throughout the central and southern United States until 1988.  At that time he joined Mathis Brothers Furniture in Oklahoma City as Plant Manager for the Factory Direct Mattress Division, then moved to Sales Manager.

Bill owned his first, of five, franchise storesthroughout Oklahoma from 1994 until 2010. At that time he returned to Mathis Brothers Furniture in Oklahoma City to develop and start up the new Sleep Centers.

In 2017 he retired from Mathis Brothers and joined Mike McElyea at Tribute Funeral Services in Norman, Oklahoma.  He also worked part-time with Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague, Oklahoma.  In 2022 Bill joined Mike McElyea and Robert Owens as Co-Owner-Ambassador and Pet Funeral Home Manager, along with being Sales and Marketing Manager.

Bill is married to Melissa Rosko.  They have two children, William (Will) Rosko and Victoria (Tori) Rosko, who live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Telephone: 1-405-695-5006

Email: 

John Winterringer

Co-Owner-Ambassador

Telephone: 1-405-695-5006

Email: 

James Walter

Ambassador

Rev. James Walter has been preaching in some capacity most of his life. In March of 1986, he started pastoring the First Assembly of God church in Shawnee, OK, until June 2001. Began working in 2001 for Bob Owens at Gaskill-Owens Funeral Chapel and Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Shawnee, OK. In March of 2022, returned as an Ambassador for McElyea & Owens Funeral Group.

Avry Wood

Funeral Director and Embalmer

 Avry grew up in Stratford Oklahoma and graduated from there in 2015. After he graduated from Stratford Highschool, he moved to Shawnee Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma Baptist University. Him and His wife Caitlin married in 2017 and planted themselves in Shawnee. Avry and his family are active members of Frontline Church in Shawnee Oklahoma. 

After leaving law enforcement in 2022, Avry decided to enter the funeral industry. He joined McElyea and Owens Funeral Group in November of 2022. Avry attended the University of Central Oklahoma in 2023 but switched to Dallas Institute of Funeral Service the same year and graduated from there in December of 2024. He obtained his dual licensing as of February 2025. 

"In time of loss, my commitment is to provide guidance, understanding, and support every step of the way." 

Telephone: 1-580-279-8516

Email: 

Carey Smith

Receptionist - Hospitality

Carey Smith is a  graduate from McLoud high school in 1985. She is married Dwayne, in 1986 and they live in Harrah, Oklahoma. They have one son, Zachary, and 3 grandchildren, Carter, Sophia, and Jay . She enjoys watching her grandchildren in all their activities. She loves to go camping with her family and friends. She is a Christian, that loves the Lord, and helping people any way She can. Carey joined they McElyea and Owens Team in 2023. 

John Parsons

Paws to Remember Pet Funeral Home and Large Animal Rendering Service