Owen Hamilton

It is with heavy heart and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Charles Owen Hamilton on March 13, 2025. Known simply as "Owen" to friends and family, he was a man devoted to his faith, his family, his friends, and his community---- a legacy of love and service that will endure for generations.
Born in Fort Worth on January 30, 1931, to Doris Owen and Charles Holloway Hamilton, Owen's journey began with a move to Lubbock in 1932, a city he would call home for the rest of his life. A proud graduate of Lubbock High School, Owen found the love of his life, Lucy Ann West, during his school years. They married in 1951 while Owen attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture specializing in design. Together, Owen and Lucy built a beautiful life, raising four daughters--- Pat Johnston, Gwen Woodward, Kristy Hamilton, and Kelly Espinoza-and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions.
Owen served his country with distinction as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, acting as a Staff Installation Officer for the Air Force Special Weapons Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from 1953 to 1955. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Lubbock to join his father in business. As president of the Hamilton Roofing Company and Hamilton Acoustical Company, Owen demonstrated integrity and leadership from 1955 until his retirement in 1998.
Owen's dedication to his profession earned him numerous accolades, including the Curtis Blackwell Memorial Award from the Texas Roofing Contractors Association and the William H. Tinney Ethics in Business Award, reflecting his unwavering commitment to integrity and service in all aspects of life.
Beyond his career, Owen was deeply committed to his community. His leadership roles were numerous: chairman of organizations such as Lubbock YMCA, Lubbock Better Business Bureau, and Methodist Hospital, and a board member for countless others. He was a 93 year member of the First United Methodist Church, a devoted supporter of Texas Tech athletics, and a proud Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow.
Owen's personal passions brought joy to those around him. He was an avid fly fisherman, often found teaching his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren the art of casting a line on the Conejos River in Colorado. He cultivated beauty in his garden and shared his love for nature with his family. Owen's devotion to his family was unparalleled-his greatest pride was watching his family grow, cherishing every moment with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Owen was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lucy Ann; his sister, Betty Doris LaRoe; and his son-in-law, Leonard Espinoza. He is survived by his four daughters; Pat Johnston (Danny) of Lubbock, Gwen Woodward (Ben) of San Angelo, Kristy Hamilton of Lexington, VA, and Kelly Espinoza of Lubbock. He also leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren; Jamie Owen (Jeff), Lauren Holder (Jay), Stephen Robbins, Meredith Salge (Chad), Beverly Woodward (David Cline), Catherine Woodward, Blake Johnston (Kassidy), Pierce Robbins (Cassady Osterweil), Emily Espinoza (Michael Serna), Erin Espinoza (Jacob Comerford), and Lilly Espinoza, as well as 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Carillon Belle Court for the love and care they showed Owen in his later years.
A memorial service to celebrate Owen's remarkable life will be held on March 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church General Fund or the Carillon Foundation at 1717 Norfolk, Lubbock, Texas 79423.
Owen Hamilton's life was a testament to faith, service, and love. His warmth, wisdom, and steadfast presence will be profoundly missed but forever remembered by all who were fortunate to know him.