A headstone at Warren-Powers Cemetery in Iowa sparked major controversy after people discovered it contained a hidden obscene message.
The memorial for Steven Paul Owens looked normal at first, featuring a loving tribute from his family. But the first letter of each line secretly spelled out “F**k off” — a joke meant to honor Owens’ sarcastic sense of humor.
While his family defended the message as a tribute to the fun-loving father and grandfather, cemetery trustees demanded the headstone be removed, saying profanity was inappropriate for a public cemetery.
Owens’ children explained that swearing was part of his personality and even a “term of endearment” for people he liked. They insisted the hidden message was never meant to offend anyone.
The debate quickly gained national attention, with some people supporting the family’s right to honor him their own way, while others argued cemeteries should remain respectful and profanity-free.
Despite the backlash and legal discussions, the headstone reportedly still remains in the Iowa cemetery today.