Donald Wayne Owen grew up in Seminole, OK, and attended Seminole High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics Engineering from Oklahoma University in 1968. He began his career at Southwest Electric Company, Oklahoma City, OK, as an electrical engineer in the 1970s. He was an entrepreneur at heart, starting companies in both the engineering and pool industries, notably TAPS Inc., and OB Cues (Don was the “O” in OB and the “B” was his close friend and co-founder Royce Bunnell). At age 33 on January 27, 1976, he was granted his first patent while working for Southwest Electric Company. Over his lifetime, he would go on to receive 28 patents, both in the fields of electrical engineering and pool, including his most recent for the OB Cue shaft on March 24, 2009.
He loved life. Of his many successes, his shining achievement was his enthusiasm and his insistence on sharing that enthusiasm with others whenever and wherever he got the chance. Whether it was his near-constant refrain of “be happy”, his recollecting about somebody “really neat” he just met, or his saying “I’ve been thinking…” and then launching into a new idea for one of his many pool playing inventions or games, he met life with a huge smile, bright eyes, and a readiness to get the most out of it.
Don’s favorite thing in life was far and away his wife Anita and his family. He loved his home, anything pool, being an engineer, inventing things, and his entrepreneurial pursuits. Don loved sitting on his back patio with Anita and their dogs Dooley and Daisy, typically enjoying a glass of Chardonnay and musing about success, happiness, and freedom. He held his convictions strongly and he was kind and generous.
Don is survived by his loving wife Anita Owen of Emory, Tx; his sister Marianna Kay Owen Streets and husband James Streets of Shawnee, OK; his children Steve Owen and wife Heather (Fielding) Owen of Park City, UT, Stacy Finch and partner Lisa Rider of Lincoln, NE, Laine (Owen) Nixon and husband Jason Nixon of Sarasota, FL, and Jess (Finch) Massey and partner Russ Hibbler of Choctaw, OK. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kayleigh Massey, Avary (Finch) Roach and husband Derek Roach, Kyden Celum, Otter Owen, and great-grandchild Rylen Roach.
He was preceded in death by his parents Bird and Clara (Works) Owen of Seminole, OK, and sister Jerry Lou Tipton of Seminole, OK.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
