Howard Glynn Owen

Glynn was born June 8, 1937, in rural San Antonio, TX., to his parents Alvie Leon Owen and Eula Velma Owen and his brother, Leon Owen. Living on the outskirts of town afforded Glynn the opportunity to spend many hours exploring the outdoors and developing a love for hunting and fishing. Glynn grew up in San Antonio and attended Northeast High School where he was the first athlete to letter in 4 sports (football, basketball, track and baseball). However, Glynn always felt his greatest moment during his teenage years was accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, at 17 years of age. After high school, Glynn served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959, while being stationed in Germany.

Upon discharge from the Army, Glynn returned home to San Antonio and began a career in the retail industry working for Winn’s Five and Dime, and Gibson’s department stores. It was there that he discovered a natural ability for management.

In 1961 Glynn married Mary Elizabeth Jenkins and moved to Austin, Texas. Together they had two sons Michael Owen, and Mark Owen. Glynn went to work for U-tote-M food stores at that time and transferred to Bryan, TX in 1971 where he served as District Manager until 1985. Glynn continued to work in the grocery business until the mid-1990’s. He eventually assumed the management role of the Parker-Astin hardware store in downtown Bryan until his retirement in 2012.

In the mid to late 1970’s, Glynn began serving as an official for High School athletics. His joy was refereeing football games in surrounding small town 1A-2A Schools. He especially enjoyed the free pie he would receive after a game at many of the schools he served. Glynn also umpired baseball and was a judge and starter for track and field meets around the area including at Texas A&M University. Glynn’s service as an athletic official spanned over 30 years.

Glynn met Mary Jane Gustavus in late December 1989 and they married on May 22, 1990, where he was quickly accepted by her family and friends. They joined Hillcrest Baptist Church in 1995 and immediately began serving in various capacities as needed. Both he and Jane helped prepare and serve meals for the Wednesday night fellowship, VBS, working at the church food pantry, and wherever else that they could serve. He served in these roles for over 30 years. He also served the church as Deacon, and chairman of Deacons for a large part of that time. He taught Wednesday night and Sunday night bible study, Sunday School, officiated weddings and funerals, and occasionally would find himself preaching from the pulpit. Glynn would always humble himself to serve in any role needed to fulfill the ministry of the church. His greatest joy while at Hillcrest was mentoring others especially in times of crisis or challenge.

Glynn was always known for his quick wit, and quirky one liner quotes that would always catch people a little off guard. Glynn Owen journeyed to Heaven on Saturday August 9, 2025, with family by his side. On Thursday of last week Glynn told the family members in his room that Jesus was coming to get him, but that would be in two days because his mansion wasn’t quite ready. Two days later, Jesus came to show him his new home.

Glynn is preceded in death by his wife, Jane, parents, his brother, grandson Jonathan Blake and great granddaughter Cheyenne Jane.

He is survived by his son Michael Owen and wife Christi, son Mark Owen and wife Julie. He is also survived by daughters Rhonda Hernandez, Debbie Montoya, Lisa Clement and husband Tommy, and son Lee “Bo” Gustavus and wife Lynda, and son-in-law Raymond Montoya. Glynn is also survived by 18 grandchildren Carrie and Chris Qualls, Keith Owen, Kendall Owen, Keagan Owen, Jaime and David Rickerson, Patrick and Jessica Montoya, Melissa and Jimmy Lalonde, Josh and Paige Clement, Katelyn and Jared Firmin-Varing, Tyler Gustavus, Crystal Madison and Thomas Carter, 13 great grandchildren, Beckett and Lennon Firmin-Varing, Colton and Felicity Lickliter, Grace McCleney, Haley Lickliter, Madison McCleney, Adilynn, Emma and Jade Rickerson, Faye and Mayze Montoya, Wyatt Madison, 2 great grandchildren baby Qualls and baby Lalonde on the way and 1 great great-grandchild Bowen Lickliter, and sister-in-law Glenda Stone. He also survived with many special friends.

Visitation for Glynn will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan. Funeral services will be at 5:00 pm, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Declaration Church, Boonville Road, Bryan. Interment will follow at Steep Hollow Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to Declaration Church youth group, 4220 Boonville Road, Bryan, TX, 77802