Jerry Paul Owens

Jerry Paul Owens Nov. 20, 1933 - Feb. 20, 2008 Longtime Texas businessman Jerry Owens died unexpectedly at age 74 on February 20, 2008, in Horseshoe Bay, TX, following a very short illness. Jerry was born November 20, 1933, in Dallas, the second child of Clifford B. and Emma Kate (Tune) Owens. A graduate of Highland Park High School, Jerry earned a bachelor's degree in business administration/management from Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. Upon his graduation from SMU, Jerry took up his commission in the U.S. Air Force and became a jet-fighter pilot. Flying was a passion he enjoyed throughout his life, maintaining a private pilot rating for many years. Upon his discharge from the Air Force in 1958, Jerry became vice president of Owens Country Sausage, the business his father had begun in 1928 at the Owens Spring Creek Farm in Richardson. It was actually a return to the family business; his true "first job" was at age 5, when he was responsible for cutting strips of cloth for sausage sacks. In 1973 he became president, then chairman 14 years later. Under his leadership, Owens Country Sausage flourished, becoming a mainstay on breakfast tables in nine states. To customers across Texas and throughout the South and Southwest, Jerry Owens became a household name and his face and voice familiar fixtures on TV screens and radios. Jerry remained active in the business after it was purchased by Bob Evans Farms in 1987, accepting chairman emeritus status in 2003. Jerry lent his considerable experience and wisdom to the governance of several business and civic organizations. He was an enthusiastic participant in the Young Presidents' Organization and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of the World Presidents' Organization. Jerry was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Richardson Independent School District, President of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and founding Trustee of Richardson Regional Medical Center. After his retirement and move to Horseshoe Bay, he continued his involvement with causes ranging from the arts to animal welfare. In recent years Jerry was a behind-the-scenes benefactor of the Highland Lakes SPCA. Jerry loved the challenges of a life well lived, enjoying activities ranging from international travel to hot-air ballooning. He enjoyed golf, but never ceased to be frustrated by the vagaries of the game. When not relaxing at his ranch in New Mexico, Jerry's favorite haunt was the media room in his home, where he appreciated a good action or war movie, played loudly, as well as a lively political debate and a nice glass of wine. Jerry was equally masterful whether grilling a steak or whipping out e-mails to friends and family. An amateur landscape painter and avid collector of Western art, Jerry was also the owner of Riverbend Fine Arts Gallery in Marble Falls and a passionate advocate for up-and-coming artists. Jerry Owens was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. Survivors include his wife: Suzanne Stringer Owens, of Horseshoe Bay; two sons: Stewart K. Owens and wife, Cindy, of Columbus, OH; and Kevin P. Owens of San Francisco; one daughter: Kimberly McCauley and husband, Scott, of Dallas; their mother, Jeanne Owens, of Richardson; one stepdaughter: Michelle Burgess and husband, Mike, of Gilbert, AZ; one stepson: Shane Allman and wife, Christy, of Brookeland, TX; nine grandchildren: Allison and Kyle Owens, Maggie and Emily McCauley, Hillary, Haley Kay and Jack Burgess and Samantha and Cameron Allman; one uncle: J.C. Owens, of Forney, TX; and numerous cousins. He also leaves behind several members of the poker group he and his friends formed while in junior high in Highland Park, as well as countless other friends and business associates who will miss his easy laugh, unassuming nature and fierce intelligence. Beyond what he achieved in business, Jerry will be most remembered for being a true gentleman. Memorial services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Richardson at 2 p.m., Monday, February 25; and at The Church of Horseshoe Bay, Horseshoe Bay, at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2008. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Lakes SPCA, P.O. Box 1275, Marble Falls, TX 78654; The Church at Horseshoe Bay, P.O. Box 8295, Horseshoe Bay, TX, 78657; or Richardson Regional Medical Center, 403 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080 Arrangements are being handled by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 US Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654, (830) 693-4373.