1950
2013
Rene' A. "Buck" Owens, 62, died at home on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 4:06pm with his family and loved ones by his side. Buck was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in June 2012.
Born October 5, 1950 in Straubing, Germany to SGT Harry and Regina Owens. The family moved to New York in 1954 after SGT Harry Owens received orders to report to Fort Drum. Buck graduated from Killeen High School in 1969 and in 1985 he attended Alabama's Aviation & Technical College and received his Airframe & Powerplant Certification from the FAA.
Buck began his military career at the age of 19 and proudly served 26 years in the US Army attaining the rank of E8/1SG. 1SG Owens decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (5). The Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait). 1SG Owens is authorized to wear the Expert Marksmanship Badge for Rifle and Pistol, the German Marksmanship Badge (Silver), and the Master Crewman Badge. 1SG Owens was also a member of the Tribal Order of the Athapaskan, Honorable Order of St. Michael and the Order of the Spur.
In 1973, Buck met the love of his life Ruth "Sue" Owens in Killeen, Texas and the two were joined in marriage on December 24, 1974, in the 1CAV Chapel - Fort Hood, Texas.
Buck called Killeen, Texas home for the last 32 years. After retiring from the Army on March 31, 2001, Buck continued his career in aviation as a civilian while employed by Dyncorp, which is now Lockheed Martin. Buck oversaw the Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) until December 2012.
Buck will especially be remembered for the love and passion he had for this country, family and life. He was known as a patient teacher to all, always taking time to help everyone he came in contact with by making them feel at ease and comfortable. Buck is remembered for his methodical thought process and passion to lead others to execute the plan. Buck's love for life brought a smile to everyone's face and he has NEVER met a stranger.
Survivors include wife, Sue Owens; son Robert and Fiancée' Stacey Stancik Granbury, Texas; son Rodney and Kaci Rice Harker Heights, Texas and 2 beautiful granddaughters Libby Rene and Reese Melody Owens.
Buck was preceded in death by his mother Regina and father SGT Harry Owens.
A service will be held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 11:00am - 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas 76542. Family and friends are invited to join the Owens family in celebrating Bucks life at Crawford –Bowers in Killeen on Monday, May 20, 2013 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be sent to:
The Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter
Association of the US Army
ATTN: Wounded Warrior Program – c/o Buck Owens
PO Box 10700
Killeen, Texas 76547
Website is www.forthoodausa.org if you would like to make a donation online.
The Owens family would like to thank Dr. Sherronda Moore - Henderson, Dr. Patel, Texas Home Health (Hospice) team members Tiffany, Isaac and Emma and Pastor Kenny Rawls – Skyline Baptist Church. Thank you for your never ending hope and encouragement as well as your gentle touch while making Buck and our family as comfortable as possible as he fought his battle with cancer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 28, 2013
Justin Walls
Top... I'm at a loss for words, you are and always will be an inspiration for your NCO's and soldiers to follow... Save me a spot on fiddlers green.
May 22, 2013
Rebecca Overby
We are all so sad to lose Buck - he was a great neighbor to us. I will always miss seeing him on his tractor and visiting my parents.. he loved everyone as if they were his own family. We will ALWAYS be there for y'all if you need anything!
May 21, 2013
joanne Fulton
Thank you for your service. Keeping family and friends in prayer. God Bless
May 21, 2013
Kym Clay
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers today. Buck will be missed by many. Love ya'll!
May 20, 2013
Michael Hampton
The absolute best 1SG I have ever had the honor to work with. The Army Aviation community has lost one of its finest sons on this day... Our hearts are heavy and saddened... I will always remember being "The Nat in his Face" as he often called me.. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sue, family and friends. You will be missed Buck... But you will never be forgotten..
May 20, 2013
Jessica Baldwin
I'll miss your hugs the most and your smile. My best memory is the day you married Chris and I. Thank you for always making me feel welcome, your home is filled with wonderful memories and you will always be in my heart.
May 19, 2013
McNatt Family
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed the gatherings at your home.
May 18, 2013
Marie Imotichey
Thoughts, prayers, and much love from the Imotichey's.
May 18, 2013
Margaret Peterson
Rest in Peace Buck. Will always remember the wonderful times in Germany and the friendship. We are praying for you Sue and your entire family. Martin and Maggie Peterson and Kimberly Clarridge
May 18, 2013
Marsha Jacoby
It has been almost 40 years since I last saw Rene but I still remember how kind and sweet he was. He was definantly one of the good guys! My deepest sympathies to Sue and their family.
May 18, 2013
Karen Rinewalt
So sorry for your loss. I am praying for the family n friends .
May 17, 2013
Wilko de Waard
Buck, rest in peace! Thank you for always being very kind and helpful whenever we met while training in Ft Hood.
You will be missed, but always remembered!!
May 17, 2013
We are praying for you Ray and Kristen.Condolences to you and your entire family. LOVE YOU! Glen and Janet Heflin.
May 17, 2013
Randy Watts
It was always a pleasure getting to go to the ALSE shop to see "Buck". He will be sorely missed.
May 17, 2013
TIFFANY and SSG Jonathan GIBBS
Buck will be missed! He put a smile on my face anytime he was around! He left such a legacy! My husband and I are thankful to have known such a great man!
May 17, 2013
Karen/Kerry Boeneke
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time! May God be with you and now that Buck is with his Eternal Saviour...Buck is comforted!
May 17, 2013
Karl Kankel
Rest in Peace, Buck! You were a great 1SG, and taught this young LT what a good NCO looks like so many years ago. You were truly one of the good guys! My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the Owens family. Godspeed!
May 17, 2013
Wouter van Leeuwen
Rest in peace Buck, thanks for your enthusiasm, support and kindness whenever we met at Hood. You will be remembered.
May 17, 2013
Buzz Covington
Very sad to hear of this. My deepest condolences to his family. He was such a dedicated and helpful person, and always made me feel that he would help you out when you needed him. He will be very much missed and fondly remembered.
May 16, 2013
Jeroen van Bruchem
Rest in peace Buck. Thanks for your everlasting support to the Dutch operations at Fort Hood. Our thoughts go out to all family members and friends.
May 16, 2013
Darren Wilkinson
It was our pleasure working with Buck. His smile will be missed. Cindy (the computer lady) and Darren Wilkinson SFC RET.
May 16, 2013
Roy de Ruiter
I knew Buck as a very nice and colourful person. He knew as no other the importance of support to our operations and his incredible knowledge and passion doing this served as the perfect example. I'm sad he left our planet at such an early age.. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
May 16, 2013
Rest in Peace Buck and we will see you on Fiddlers Green! Your friendship and skills with ALSE will be missed.
Allen Hahn
LTC, AV
May 16, 2013
Larry Shatto
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Owens Family.
We will all miss Buck. His smiling face and always helpful hand at work made all of us feel comfortable with the life support equiptment he maintained for us for all these years.
It was (ALMOST always) a pleasure to be called on the carpet for allowing my inspection date to expire on my gear and Buck kept us aware of ALSE issues like no other . RIP Buck, See you on the green.
May 16, 2013
Lowell McCracken
Buck Rest in Peace My Friend, Mac Lowell McCracken
May 16, 2013
Emco Jellema
Buck, you will be missed. We will remember you off your skills, but most your laughter and joy of life..
LTC Emco Jellema, CDR Joint Netherlands Training Detachment.
May 16, 2013
Mark Riddle
My condolences and prayers ... Buck, I'll meet you at Fiddler's Green
May 16, 2013
Lenny Caldwell
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Funeral services provided by:
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542-1654
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