Samuel Owens

On 12 March, 2023, Samuel Richard Owens, age 82, of Liberty, TX passed away after several years of declining health.

Richard (as his mama called him) was born on June 25, 1940 in Grahn, KY to the late Caney and Geraldine (Lowe) Owens of Mansfield, OH.

Sam (as just about everyone else called him) served our country honorable as a tank commander in the U.S. Army from 1961 through 1969, serving multiple tours in Vietnam.  He always said that he didn’t do anything special in the war, but his being awarded two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts refuted that statement.

Sam was married to the late, Doris Nelwyn Dickerson Owens from April 23, 1965, until her death on October 12, 2019.  Sam and Nell were the proud and loving parents to four children; Michael “Allen” Owens, Samuel Douglas “Doug” Owens, Brian Keith “Boo” Owens and Melissa Kay “Sis” Carroll.  Sam and Nell were devoted to each other and an example to us all on weathering the storms of life…together.

Sam worked hard to provide for his family, working in the oil fields and as a long-haul trucker, following  his time in the service.  He was justifiably proud of his flawless driving record and his knowledge of the roads across the country.  His memory was impressive, and even after he stopped driving, he eagerly provided driving directions to anyone and everyone, including the routes, alternate routes and the mile markers for each turn!  After their nest emptied, Nell sometimes went on the road with Sam and they had adventures together from coast to coast.   Sam lost his vision suddenly in 2005 and was forced to give up the profession that he loved, but he remained a rambling man.  He and Nell lived in South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio and several locations in Texas after his retirement.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nell, his daughter Melissa, his brothers Ray, Art, Ted, and Joe.

Left to mourn Sam are his three sons, Allen (Becky) of Liberty, TX; Doug (Bonnie) of Mineral, VA and Brian (Cindy) of Red Oak, TX and his son-in-law, Raymond Carroll of Weatherford, TX and their families.   He was a loving Papaw to ten grandchildren, Maggie, Aaron, Poo, Katie, Josh, Ben, Scott, Ryan, Kristen and Bubba and numerous great grandchildren.   He is also survived and will be dearly missed by his brothers Lloyd, Don and Dewey and his sister Barb.

In lieu of flowers, Sam requested that donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans’ Organization.