Joe A. Owen

Joe A. Owen, 56, passed away March 31, 2005 at a local hospital. Graveside services were held Saturday, April 2 at 9:30 AM at Waco Memorial North. Joe was born December 30, 1948 in Quannah, Texas to Calvin and Nila Richardson Owen. He grew up in Childress and graduated from Childress High School. He married Betsy Willcox on August 21, 1975. He was a decorated Vietnam War veteran. The war showed him that life was precious because so many of his fellow soldiers did not come home. Joe was employed by the Department of the Army as a scientific photographer at Ft. Hood. He obtained a classified clearance which allowed many unusual job tasks. He left Ft. Hood in 1985 to open Camera II and Associates as a commercial photographer. Following some brief medical problems he retired from photography and began dealing and restoring antique furniture. He enjoyed the adventure of finding the hidden beauty in the old furnishings. Joe enjoyed collecting antiques but his first and most valued item was the many friends he collected. He loved them all. His family was high priority, performing any and all tasks except cleaning the garage and raking the leaves. Joe not only loved his children but that love and concern included their friends – always taking them on unique camping adventures! He was interested in their friends’ lives and many times opened his home to them. Survivors include his wife Betsy Owen, his daughter, Amy Owen, both of Hewitt, and his son, Jason Owen of San Marcos. Everyone that knew Joe, knows how much he enjoyed life, a hearty laugh, and a good steak. He was a devoted husband and dad. He cherished all friendships and turned any stranger into a friend. Let us honor his memory by being kind to each other, as well as hugging our loved ones much longer and tighter. Words cannot explain the void his passing has created, but his wonderful friends will help his family until they can carry on and enjoy life as Joe would want them to. Memorials can be made to The American Heart Association or to The Methodist Home. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbaily.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey