Austin Virgil Owen Jr's Obituary
Austin Virgil Owen, Jr. peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on March 26, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on January 28, 1934, to Austin Virgil Owen, Sr. and Libbie Owen, in Waco, Texas.
Virgil graduated from Waco High School in 1952. He then studied at Arlington State College before going through training with the Navy, serving as a multi-engine pilot and celestial navigator, stationed throughout the Pacific Rim. After his naval career, he completed his BBA at the University of Texas in Austin in 1961. He was a proud alumnus, and a lifelong Longhorn fan.
Virgil met his wife Betty, in Waco, Texas at the hospital while she cared for his father. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in 1961 in Columbia, Tennessee.
Virgil and Betty were blessed with three children, Martha, Kenny and Cathy. Virgil was proud of his role as an Investigator for the Department of Labor. After Betty’s passing, Virgil retired from the government and dedicated his time to raising his children. Virgil later worked for Texas Envelope for over 30 years.
Virgil was introduced to Reenee Graves by a close friend, and they quickly fell in love and the two were married on August 8, 1981. His most precious thing in life was being a parent and grandparent, adopting two of his grandchildren, Nick and Andria, and raised them as his own.
Virgil was involved in his community throughout his life and was an active member of Walnut Hill United Methodist Church for 35 years. He also enjoyed playing tennis for years with many of his closest friends and rooting for the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys.
Virgil is lovingly remembered for his sense of humor, and we miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Austin and Libbie, and his sister Allynne Owen Murphy, and is survived by his wife, Reenee, his children Martha, Kenny and his wife Sotevy, Rick, Cathy and her husband Paul, and grandchildren Nick, Andria, Amber, Malissa, Sam, Claire and Abigail and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, March 31, 1:00 pm at Walnut Hill Church. In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Virgil’s memory may be directed to Walnut Hill Church or Methodist Children’s Home.
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