Mark Owen

June 22, 1953 - December 22, 2009

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Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

Monday 12/28, 11:00 am

Mark Owen, 56, of Midland, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2009, at Medical Center Hospital. Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 28, 2009, at 11:00 AM at Stonegate Fellowship, with the Reverend Patrick Payton officiating.He was born on June 22, 1953, in Urbana, Illinois to Raymond E. Owen and Lina Jo Owen. He graduated from Tuscola Community High School and was active in football, receiving All-Conference awards, and threw the shot put and discus on the track team. He also had a band named "Sleepwalkers" from Junior High through High School, playing the piano and drums. Mark attended Baylor University from 1971 to 1977 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Masters Degree in Geology. He served as a Geologist and Vice President of Exploration to George W. Bush with Bush Exploration. He was currently and happily employed by Griffin Petroleum Company. Mark was an avid golfer and swim dad, who loved being outdoors and hiking and collecting rocks. He was a member of the NRA, West Texas Geological Society, a published author and a staunch Conservative and Patriot.Mark was a remarkable, caring and loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend. He was involved on a daily basis with every aspect of family life. His commitment and devotion to his family is well known by those who knew and loved him. He loved long talks with his family, especially his twins, Aurora and Cashford. It is almost as if he knew his time on earth was limited – because he packed a lifetime of teaching them – into only 20 years. As a scientist, geology was not only a business, but a passion. While driving throughout the western United States he always explained the topography of the regions, for truly, he was a teacher at heart. His spirits soared while on mountaintops, surveying God's wonders spread out before him.He was a quiet man, a good man, an example for all. His favorite Winston Churchill quote was, "Never, Never, Never, Give Up." Mark practiced that philosophy his entire life.Mark is survived by his wife, Jami Owen of Midland; his twins – daughter, Aurora Katherine Elizabeth Owen; and son, Cashford Edward Owen, both of Midland; his parents, Raymond and Lina Jo Owen of Tuscola, Illinois; three brothers, Randall R. Owen of Las Vegas, Nevada, Steve Owen and wife Kelly of Midland, and Craig Owen of Indianapolis, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Suzanne Huber of Champaign, Illinois; nieces and nephews, Amanda Allen and husband Matt of Midland, Henry Owen of Indianapolis, Indiana, Gavin Thomas Owen of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kaitlin & Christian Owen, both of Midland.He is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Bill Huber and his grandparents Leonard and Helen Owen of Tuscola, Illinois and Raymond and Ola Lippe of Champaign, Illinois.In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the USO or to your favorite charity.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home

3800 N. Big Spring St

Midland, Texas 79705

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Monday 12/28, 11:00 am

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Jami and kids, Lina and Ray, Owen boys, I am shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I remember Mark as always being respectful to everyone. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Micki (McGuire) Suits

Jami, I was sorry to hear of the tragic death of your husband. I hope you find comfort in knowing that your many friends are praying for you and your children. May God's peace comfort you during this time. Carole Strange

Mrs. Owen and Family, The Day has lost some lustre and the Night will seem darker...and yet, a Star shines brightly in the Heavens because a good and Godly spirit has come home. Remember that the Day and the Night are both of God and his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I join the chorus of prayers rising to the celestial heights of Heaven knowing well that each word of solace said in prayer will gently fall as dew to embrace your hearts and guide each of you to accept that which we do not understand and find His peace in the face of those your Husband and Father touched. Jami, my family and I have been out of town and just found out about your loss today. Words can never fill the void; I pray that the life your husband led and lived will reap loving memories and cloak the hurt you feel. Sincerely, JR Silva South Elementary

Your family is in our prayers. Jeff Horner

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Mark was a great friend and a special man. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. May your hearts be filled with all of the wonderful memories of your life spent with Mark. May God Bless your family in this tragic time. Libbi Sodaro Wolters former classmate 1971

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Jami: Know that all of Tuscola has been saddened by Mark's passing. How proud you must be of the glowing tributes from all those that knew him. Surround yourself with God's love and that of your family. I love you.

Jami: We just got back from holiday travels and I saw the news of your husband's journey home to be with Jesus. My heart hurts for you and your children. I'm sure this unexpected loss places a huge burden on you but I also know our Lord will lift that burden for you. Thank God for the hope he brings us in Jesus. My prayer for you is that you will find His presence in your life a great comfort as you mourn Mark's passing. You are strong in Him and he will bring you peace, always when you need it most. God bless you and your children.

We were sadden to hear the news. Our deepest symathy to Jami and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of need.

To The Owen's Family: We were schocked by the news of Mark's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time. Mark was a "good" man indeed in every respect.

Jami, we are so sorry for the loss of your husband Mark. He must have been a remarkable man by reading his obituary. You, Cash and Aurora are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Deb and Dan

Jami...my prayers are with you...may God provide an abundance of His perfect peace and healing love to you and your family. Take good care...blessings...Tracey

We were so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. We hope your hearts heal as quickly as possible and that you will have many happy memories of Mark. Love to you from Ricardo, Sky, Elena, Alan, Andres and Kelsey Armijo

Mark and your family have filled my thoughts throughout the past week. I am so very sorry that he has left us in body. So many memories have come back to me including watching him break his drumsticks on stage with the "Sleepwalkers". Our first ski trip to Aunt Shirley's in MI with brother Mike and Mark Kleiss. Football, school, hunting on Ray's farm and many, many more memories. Although I have not seen Mark since one of the Christmas parties in years past his memory is with me as if he's still here. I am so sorry for all the pain your suffering. John Cunningham

Dear Jami, Cash and Aurora, You are all in my thoughts and prayers all day today (and have been for some time now.) I know that you are covered in family love and support right now, and I wish that I could be there myself to show my own concern for you. My memories of Mark are all great ones, all happy. The last time I saw him was at Jami's 50th birthday celebration, when I stayed at their house. I was so impressed by what a great little family unit the Owen's clan seemed to be. Mark will certainly live on in his offspring and in what he instilled in those who knew and loved him best. John's aunt, Sister Mary VanGilder, and his mother Blanche are here for the holidays. We are all offering special prayers on Mark's behalf. Jami, expect a parcel in the mail this coming week. Meanwhile, please know that I love you very much and my heart aches for your loss - but we all can be grateful that Mark lived such a wonderful, full life and that he is in a far lovelier place now! Much love, Ann Capen Hunt

I am very sorry to here about your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. He was a very nice man, and certainly very proud of Aurora and Cash. Again, deeply sorry for your loss.

Jami, Words seem useless at a time like this but you, Cash, and Aurora are in my prayers. I wish you all peace and understanding during this time of such heartache and disruption. I cannot make the service for work reasons but hope to get out to see you soon. God bless you all. Love, Wendell

I have been fighting with what words to say. Thank goodness I had the oppurtunity to see him a couple of years ago. He was one of the great ones and I had the great pleasure to play football and know him through school. I am very, very sorry for your loss. Take care, Battalion Chief Barry Henby

My deepest sympathy to Jami and the kids. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are very saddened by what's happened.. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's presence comfort you and keep you strong. Aurora, Jesse remembers his "big sister" and is very sorry for the loss of your dad.

Jami & All: I will never let my memories of Mark and the family fade. He was a great presence in my life and truely saved me from death long ago. Be at peace dear friend. You stomped on the terra and I will miss you forevermore. I love you all.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sorry to hear this. Mark was always so nice and friendly to new families at the swim club, expecially overwhelmed grandmothers. He and Jami have raised such lovely children. My heart goes to Jami, Aurora and Cash. Margaret Hiett (Lary) Williams

My heart goes out to the Owen family. This was such a shock and a terrible thing to happen. Jami, Aurora and Cash, I am so sorry. Mark was a wonderful person. I loved him, and have a special place in my heart for him which will never go away. I am happy he had such a wonderfull life with Jami and his children. The Owen family is strong and loving, and I know they will support each other during this time of loss. Everyone who knew Mark was touched by him and is sad that he is gone. Lina and Ray, you were wonderful parents to the boys and I know Mark loved you every much. Randy, Steve, and Craig, you and Mark had the closest bond of any brothers I have ever seen, and am happy to have known you all. Let your love for each other help you through this time, and may God bless you and offer you peace and strength in the weeks to come.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family!!! May God bless you during this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!! Jerry, Allyson ,Joshua and Jered

Mark was one of the best men I have ever known. I played golf with him and worked with him. I am so saddened as to what happened. He was a family man who truly loved his wife and children. I will miss him. If there is ever anything I can do for you Jami, please do not hesitate to call. John Qualls

All my memories of Mark are good ones and he will be missed but I know his life made a difference for many people.

Dear: Owen Family I am saddened with the loss of a great person that Mr. Owens Repersented in the Midland Community. I couldnt believe this could happen to an amazing and kind person, but we know the lord doesnt make mistakes and he's with him for a reason. I (freddy leyva) worked for Mr. owens in his residence we installed an Air conditioning system for him and with those trips i made to his home i learned to appriciate him and also found a place in my heart for a new friend. Ms. owens i Know you are saddened at this time but dont forget you have friends real close in us The Pure- Air family and for you kids Aurrora, and cash i never saw them but i can imagine what big space in there sole the might have with thier Daddy gone, but i will keep you all in my Prayers and hope God delivers comfort to you and your family. Mr. owen we will miss you: and had the pleasure of knowing you, may god have you by his side just as we know we lost a great man here on earth. We will miss you: Freddy Leyva-Midland pure Air..

My deepest condolences to Jaime, Aurora and Cash. A great loss for a great man. Our prayer and thoughts are with you. He will missed dearly.

Dear Jami, Aurora, Cash, Ray and Lina, Randy, Steve, and Craig and all family members: Mark and I became friends when I was Nancy's roommate back at Baylor. Mark and I were in grad school at the same time, and during that period he was practically a second father to my son Aaron, who was a toddler at the time. This past Monday evening at about 8:30 (Eastern time) I was making a scrap book for Aaron; the last items I pasted in were two black and white photos that Mark had taken of Aaron in 1975. On the scrapbook page, so Aaron would know and remember, I wrote "Mark Owen took these photos." How shocked and deeply saddened I was to ready Nancy's email the following morning. I have so many wonderful memories of Mark -- he was a good and supportive friend who cared deeply for those around him and he was so dedicated and enthusiastic about geology -- an enthusiasm that obviously carried thru his lifetime. Cash and Aurora, I know that Mark was a wonderful Dad and I like to think that his time with my little Aaron gave him "practice time" for when the two of you entered the world. There are no words to comfort any of you at this awful time. I am so sad for you and hope that, in time, a flood of loving memories will replace the ocean of agony you are feeling now. With deepest sympathy, Belinda Snyder Wilson

My deepest sympathy for this great loss to the family.

My prayers are with you at this tragic loss.

To all family and friends, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Nothing but fond thoughts of a great man. I will always recall my stop at Waco when Mark was in school there, always so considerate. Love to all, Jim

My family and I had the opportunity to get to know Mark, Jami and the kids over the last 10 years through swimming. Mark was great to visit with during those long weekend meets. He loved his family and was proud to be its head. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Owen family, God Bless to all.

To the Owens family and friends: We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a great husband, father and friend. Mark was truly one of the really good guys. Words cannot express how sorry we are. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love always, Mike, Jen, Jake, Alee and Tess Moylett

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.