Richard Owens

Richard Preston Owens, age 96, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on April 5, 2022, in Odessa.

Richard was born October 16, 1925, to Jefferson James Owens and Willie G (Gold) Owens in Ft. Worth, Texas. He graduated from TCU in 1949. Richard worked for ECISD as a counselor for 30+ years. After he retired, he helped hundreds of families with adoptions through Judge Bill McCoy’s office. He was a veteran of WWII and served in the Army, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. Richard was stationed part of his time in Italy fighting the Germans, then sent to Japan before the U.S. dropped the Atomic Bomb and ended the war. Richard, unfortunately, saw firsthand the aftermath of the bomb. He has been featured on the Wall of Honor at The Courtyards Assisted Living Center. He was an active member of Connection Christian Church (First Christian Church) for 60+ years. Richard was also active in the community and an avid supporter for over 50 years of The Permian Basin Rehab Center and The Odessa Crystal Ball Foundation. In 2001 he received the Heritage of Odessa Community Statesman Award for Education. He also received from First Christian Church its highest honor of Trustee Emeritus.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson James, and Willie Owens, three brothers, and a sister.  He is survived by numerous friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Steen, Rocky Steen, Jim Rodman, Raymond Starnes, Pat Fierro, and Billy Cole.

Memorials may be given to The Permian Basin Rehab Center, 620 N Alleghaney Ave, Odessa, Texas, 79761, or Connection Christian Church, 4241 Tanglewood Ln, Odessa, Texas, 79762.

The friends of Richard wish to extend our sincere thanks to the employees at The Courtyards Assisted Living and to Dr. Robert Chappell for his special care.