Travis Lee Owens, lifelong resident of Hopkins County passed away Saturday morning October 4th at Carriage House Manor nursing home in Sulphur Springs. Travis was born in Hopkins County on November 24th 1939. He was the son of O. B. and Janie Morgan Owens. He married Linda Wood Owens of Commerce on July 20, 1962 in Hopkins County. Travis enjoyed a long, rewarding life in spite of his health issues. He attended school in Sulphur Springs, graduating with the class of 58. He attended Texas Tech University, but due to his father’s health conditions returned home and graduated from ETSU. He received his BS degree and continued to do post graduate work. Travis, being raised on dairy farm at Star Ridge was no stranger to hard work. He began his career in Caddo Mills in 1962 teaching and coaching sixth graders and driving a school bus. He left the teaching profession to become a financial analyst at E-system in Greenville. In 1977 he moved to Sulphur Springs and became City Finance Director later becoming City Manager. While working for city government he met city councilman Mickey McKenzie, who asked Travis to join the team at GSC Enterprises. He worked at the Sulphur Springs and San Antonio divisions. He returned to Sulphur Springs in 1990 and retired as Corporate President of GSC. Travis enjoyed traveling the world, fishing, golfing, hunting and pranking his peers, but his greatest love was dining on great food. Travis had a love for people young and old of all walks of life. His caring and generosity made an impact on the lives of many. He was a very humble man, never holding himself above others.
He leaves behind his wife Linda, of 52 years, daughter Kim Dorner and husband Jeff, son Andy Travis Owens. Also surviving are his two precious granddaughters, Chelsey Marie Romans and Maddison Jane Dorner. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Barbara Jane Owens and son-in-law Tony Romans. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00, Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at West Oaks Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Lewis and Bro. Tommy Johnston officiating. Pallbearers will be Jerry Gillem, Jim Baber, Alec Bridges, Mickey McKenzie, Jay Owens, David Owens and Stever Bonner. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Dawson, G. R. Romans, Danny Durham, Billy Ray, Jerry Jack Hale, Gary Kesting, Steve Shing, Spencer Hinkle, Bill Bailey, Vaden Richey, Rick Cook, Arlin Morgan, Dr. Ronald Stanley, the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club at the Red Barn Café and the 57-58 Wildcat Football Team.
Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com
