Kennith Ray Owens' Obituary
Kennith Ray Owens was born in Waxahachie, Texas on May 7, 1933. He passed away on March 19, 2024. He graduated from Waxahachie High School in 1950. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University.
In high school, Ken was a good student, and an athlete. He was a star basketball and baseball player. The girls referred to him as “Legs.” According to Katherine, it was the only reason the girls went to the games!
In college, Ken was a letterman in the Baylor baseball team, playing third base and outfield. He was an outstanding power hitter.
He met the love of his life Katherine Wilemon, in second grade. After graduating college, Ken returned to Waxahachie to teach, where he once again encountered the enchanting Katherine, another first year teacher in Waxahachie ISD. By the end of that school year, the two got married. The date was June 1, 1955. Seven days later, he shipped off for basic training in the Army. He then served two years in the Army, stationed in Colorado Springs.
While in Colorado, the young couple had two children, Karen and Karol. After finishing his career in the Army, the family moved back to Texas, setting up their home in Dallas. Ken started teaching at a small private boys school, St. Mark’s School of Texas. Ken’s career blossomed at St. Mark’s as the school grew, as did his family, with the addition of their son Keith. By the time he was ready to retire, he had spent 41 years impacting the lives of thousands of students and multiple generations. During that time he served in many roles: coach, department chair, sponsor, Director of Scheduling, Director of Admissions, Financial Officer, and Senior Master. But first and foremost, teacher.
He was a charter member of Royal Haven Baptist Church, where he was a member for much of his life, a deacon, and an important servant leader for decades. He spent the last 14 years as a member of MacArthur Blvd Baptist Church. He was a man of faith, and while he didn’t talk about his faith a lot, he lived it every day.
More than any of these accomplishments, Ken was proudest of his family. He believed that family was important, and he deeply loved every member of his.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Foy & Althea Lee Owens, brother Jesse Owens, daughter Karen Allen and granddaughter Rebecca Allen.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years Katherine Owens, daughter Karol Welsh, husband Raymond, son Keith Owens, wife Shawn, grandchildren Rachel Carter, husband Patrick, Kirsten Allen, Liz Welsh, Meredith Mathews, husband Stephen, Ryan Owens, wife Johnette, and Kayla Owens, along with great grandchildren Logan, Hudson, Candice, Madison, and Samantha Dixon, Autumn Mathews, and Ryder and Jackson Owens.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a gift can be made to St. Mark’s to honor Ken’s legacy.
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