Gus A. Owen

Gus A. Owen passed peacefully at home on December 17, 2022 with his wife of 33 years, Kathryn, by his side.

Known for his quick wit and political acumen, Gus was always happy to be with people. With his ready smile and humorous remarks, he was a friend to many. His habit of constant friendliness and genuine caring for people attracted many, many friends from all walks of life. In a world where so many people do not reach out to others, Gus was a breath of fresh air. His kindnesses to his family and others are too many to list here. Generous to a fault, Gus was always at the ready to help anyone in need.

Gus was born in Checotah, Oklahoma on Dec. 2, 1933. He spent his young life in Muskogee, Oklahoma with his family of 5. At 17 years of age, he left home to join the United States Marines in 1951 and served in the Korean Conflict. He completed his basic training at Camp Pendleton and was assigned to Sea Duty aboard USS Quincy CA-71. After serving in the Marines, he remained in California and entered the political world with political consultant Dennis Carpenter (who later became State Senator Carpenter}, navigating clients through the complicated world of California public affairs. In 1967 he was hired by Congressman Gerald Ford as Congressional Campaign Chairman for the 15 Western States. He later worked for Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater. He organized the first rally for Ronald Reagan for governor at the Orange County Fairs Grounds in Costa Mesa.

In his spare time, he founded Owen Properties, a commercial and residential property development and management firm. He developed an impressive portfolio of developments. He also founded banking and computer businesses.

He resided for a time in San Juan Capistrano, where he was known for riding his horse into town as he prepared to join the Portola Ride with other businessmen and ranch owners. He followed Sy Fluor of Fluor Corporation as the President of the Lincoln Club of Orange County, a prestigious Republican establishment. He married prominent developer Kathryn Thompson in 1989, and the two were leaders in Orange County's charitable and political world, residing in Newport Beach and later moving to Dallas, Texas where Kathryn's family is 5th generation. Following the election of President Bill Clinton Gus, a lifelong Republican, was appointed by Senator Bob Dole as Vice Chairman of the Surface Transportation Commission, and was one of the Commission's three original Members He served from 1996 until the end of 1998. Senator Trent Lott, led the 106th Senate Tribute to Gus Owen on January 21, 1999. Prior to his service with the Surface Transportation Commission, Gus was the last Commissioner sworn in to serve at the Interstate Commerce Commission (IC) from 1994 until that agency was abolished on December 31, 1995. During his tenure the largest railroad mergers in the history of the railroads were decided.

Gus was also involved in state public service as a member of the California Fish and Game Commission, appointed by Governor Pete Wilson, and the California State Building Standards Commission. Gus was also the vice chairman of the California Institute, a bipartisan organization charged with promoting California's economic viability and competitiveness. He was on the committee that brought the 1994 Fifa Soccer Games to Los Angeles. He coached three 16-year old winning soccer teams that he took to German and England.

A dedicated family man, Gus was father to two daughters, Karna and Melissa. Gus also fathered a son, Eric, who tragically drowned in 1986. He also adopted Kathryn's daughter Kristen. He was a loving grandfather to Savannah, Evan, Renee, Andres, Maddisyn, Mike, and great-grandaughter, Alyce.

Gus will live on in the memories of the people who loved him and who he enriched. He leaves behind an example of a life well lived. Gus always said he wanted to leave this world a better place, and he did.

A visitation will occur Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Grove Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to:

Operation Finally Home

P.O. Box 732667

Dallas, Texas 75373-2667