Philip Owens

Philip (Phil) Jonathan Owens, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home in Georgetown, Texas, on July 31, 2024, due to complications from Parkinsonism. He was 86 years old.
Phil is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 56 years, Barbara (Boucher) Owens; his daughters Gwyneth Owens Butera and her husband Robert Butera of Eastham, Massachusetts, and Susannah Owens Rivera and her husband Luis Rivera, Jr. of St. Paul, Minnesota; and four cherished grandchildren, Camille Butera, Chloe Butera, Leo Rivera, and Miles Rivera.
Born on August 16, 1937, in Middleborough, Massachusetts, Phil was the third child of Madeleine (Duncklee) Owens and Bernard J. Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mabel (Owens) Wilson and Wayne Owens.
Phil began his primary education in Halifax, MA. After his family relocated to Carver, MA, he completed elementary school there. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1958 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Education with a major in Mathematics from Bob Jones University in 1962.
After receiving a master's degree in math from Florida State University, he went to work for General Dynamics in San Diego before beginning his career at IBM Research in Yorktown Heights, New York where he met his wife, Barbara. IBM moved them to Los Gatos, California, where they both continued to work for IBM.
Following a hiatus to earn his PhD in Computer Science from NYU, Phil returned to IBM in NY, eventually relocating to Georgetown, Texas, where he continued his work in the Austin research division until his retirement in 1992. During his years at IBM and at NYU, he worked alongside three Turing Awardees (the computer science equivalent of a Nobel Prize).
After retiring, he began a second career as an adjunct professor of both mathematics and of computer science at Austin Community College, the University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward's University, and Southwestern University in Georgetown.
Phil's life was characterized by his dedication and passion for his many pursuits. From being a devoted father and husband to restoring homes and developing hiking trails behind his Georgia mountain cabin, his enthusiasm was evident in everything he did. He was a talented native plant gardener, a faithful member of church choirs and gospel groups, and a skilled handyman who took pride in each project he undertook.
In his later years, Phil and Barbara enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod, where they lived near their daughter Gwyneth in Eastham. He was an active member of the Orleans (MA) UMC choir and the Eastham Senior Center, where he took ukulele lessons and participated in community activities. Phil cherished his family deeply and loved their travels and beach vacations, always finding joy in the time spent together.
In early May 2024, Phil traveled with Barbara to Alameda, California, where he delighted in watching his grandsons' performances and enjoying family activities. His passing came as he fondly reflected on the joy of those moments.
He entered into his heavenly rest surrounded by the comforting sounds of old-time gospel music and the sight of deer in the backyard of his Sun City home. Phil will be remembered for his love, dedication, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him.
A celebration of Phil's life will be held at a later date on Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, The Caring Place, The Lower Cape Outreach Council, or a charity of your choice.