Born October 5, 1950 in Straubing, Germany to SGT Harry and Regina Owens. The family moved to New York in 1954 after SGT Harry Owens received orders to report to Fort Drum. Buck graduated from Killeen High School in 1969 and in 1985 he attended Alabama’s Aviation & Technical College and received his Airframe & Powerplant Certification from the FAA.
Buck began his military career at the age of 19 and proudly served 26 years in the US Army attaining the rank of E8/1SG. 1SG Owens decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon (3), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon (5). The Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal (Kuwait). 1SG Owens is authorized to wear the Expert Marksmanship Badge for Rifle and Pistol, the German Marksmanship Badge (Silver), and the Master Crewman Badge. 1SG Owens was also a member of the Tribal Order of the Athapaskan, Honorable Order of St. Michael and the Order of the Spur.
In 1973, Buck met the love of his life Ruth “Sue” Owens in Killeen, Texas and the two were joined in marriage on December 24, 1974, in the 1CAV Chapel - Fort Hood, Texas.
Buck called Killeen, Texas home for the last 32 years. After retiring from the Army on March 31, 2001, Buck continued his career in aviation as a civilian while employed by Dyncorp, which is now Lockheed Martin. Buck oversaw the Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) until December 2012.
Buck will especially be remembered for the love and passion he had for this country, family and life. He was known as a patient teacher to all, always taking time to help everyone he came in contact with by making them feel at ease and comfortable. Buck is remembered for his methodical thought process and passion to lead others to execute the plan. Buck’s love for life brought a smile to everyone’s face and he has NEVER met a stranger.
Survivors include wife, Sue Owens; son Robert and Fiancée’ Stacey Stancik Granbury, Texas; son Rodney and Kaci Rice Harker Heights, Texas and 2 beautiful granddaughters Libby Rene and Reese Melody Owens.
Buck was preceded in death by his mother Regina and father SGT Harry Owens.
A service will be held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 11:00am - 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, Texas 76542. Family and friends are invited to join the Owens family in celebrating Bucks life at Crawford –Bowers in Killeen on Monday, May 20, 2013 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial contributions to be sent to:
The Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter
Association of the US Army
ATTN: Wounded Warrior Program – c/o Buck Owens
PO Box 10700
Killeen, Texas 76547
Website is www.forthoodausa.org if you would like to make a donation online.
The Owens family would like to thank Dr. Sherronda Moore - Henderson, Dr. Patel, Texas Home Health (Hospice) team members Tiffany, Isaac and Emma and Pastor Kenny Rawls – Skyline Baptist Church. Thank you for your never ending hope and encouragement as well as your gentle touch while making Buck and our family as comfortable as possible as he fought his battle with cancer.
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