Tributes

William K. (Bill) Owens, Age 95, went to be with the Lord on March 31, 2025. Born May 11, 1929 in Golden, MS to William E. (Bill) Owens and Helen Hargett Owens. Bill was a long-time resident of San Antonio. He was an outstanding basketball player, helping his 1947 Belmont, MS High School Team win the State Championship. At Mississippi Delta Community College he was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. For his last two years of college basketball, he was given a full scholarship to MS State which was a long-time dream fulfilled. Bill’s last year at MS State, he and James Burrow played guard and they always remained friends. Just a few years ago, James’ grandson Joe Burrow was quarterback at LSU and won the Heisman Trophy as well as the National Championship. He is now the quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals. After receiving his B.S. degree in Education at MS State, Bill went to Memphis State for a year to receive a Master of Science degree in Public School Administration. He then entered the Air Force at Lackland AFB. In the summer of 1953, he met his future wife, Jo Ann Johnson Owens on a blind date at a softball game at San Pedro Park. A friend who worked with Jo arranged the date. Bill and Jo were married on Nov. 5, 1955 at a chapel on the base. After Bill completed four years of Air Force service, he became a teacher and coach in the Harlendale and Lackland school districts. He was at Lackland for 18 years, at Terrell Wells Middle School for 12 years, and at Rayburn Elementary School his last 7 years. During those Rayburn years, he taught physical education to all boys and girls. He served as youth director at Manor Baptist Church and volunteered with the YMCA and worked in day camps in the summer. Because of his lifetime devotion to working with and teaching young people he received the J.C.Penney Golden Rule award. Bill was active in Professional Organizations and had Lifetime Membership in the Texas PTA, Texas State Teachers Association and the National Education Association. He was an active deacon for Manor Baptist and Woodland Baptist Church. Bill was also a member of The Carnegians and the Woodlawn Optimist Club whose motto is “Friend of Youth”. Bill and Jo enjoyed travelling to 57 countries and all 50 states, liked to read and attend Spurs games. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf and with Jo Ann, spending time at their condo on the coast. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William E. (Bill) Owens and Helen Hargett Owens, a brother, Harold Edwin Owens and a sister, Mary Owens Cain. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, his brother, Gerald Franklin Owens, his nephews Mike, David, and Greg and his nieces Melissa Owens and Sandra Tribble, along with numerous great nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held from 10 to Noon on April 11, 2025 followed by a funeral service at Mission Park North Funeral home. Interment to follow at San Fernando Cemetery #3. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Woodland Church, 15315 Huebner Rd., San Antonio, TX 78248.

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William Keith Owens

May 11, 1929 - March 31, 2025