I become overwhelmed with the flood of memories that come to mind when I think of Uncle Shelby. From stealing his hat at reunions, our long weekly talks on the phone about life and raising kids, to frying turkeys on Thanksgiving at MawMaws. I believe my favorite memory would be when he taught me how to drive his 18 wheeler. We had more fun on that back country road that will forever be with me. I will miss your stories as well as your jokes and will always remember your laugh! It was truly contagious! I love you! 

One of my memories of Uncle Shelby is when he would be up here in the Northwest, he would give Dwayne and I a call just to chat and to see how us Northwest Owens' were doing. A couple of times we were able to meet up with him and visit., and once when ours boys were in grade school and we were visiting, he let them sit in the front of his cab/truck. They thought that was so cool!! 


Papa there’s so much i could say , so many memories . I’m gonna miss you so much you have no idea . I’m grateful of the time i got with you and you meeting your great grandson ❤️ Ryder will always be your little fishin buddy! You will always be with us. I love you so much .

So many great memories started with seeing a Frito Lay trailer parked at Grandaddy’s house! But my favorite lesson from him was on a summer day in his hometown, surprising a couple of his friends at their home. One answered the door with, “I wish I’d known you were coming, I’d have cleaned the house.” But Uncle Shelby quickly replied ,”I didn’t come to visit your house, I came to visit you,” with his usual big smile. He was always personable and kind to me and he’s one of the men I try to emulate. 

Papa, your wings were ready but my heart was not. 💔 There's alot of memories I could write about but I'll save them. One of my most favorite was going to the rodeo, and you teaching how to ride my dirt bike and you watching me ride. You will forever be missed, but I know you're in a better place. I love you Papa! May you rest in peace! 💙

I will forever remember the genesis of the nickname he gave me as a small boy on the family. There we were on the farm on a cold fall day it was the annual butchering gathering. He was wearing a pair of blue jean overalls with the frayed around the bottom of the legs. He was standing near the fire warming himself when he got to close and his pants caught fire. I tried to get a word in to tell him his pants were burning but as normal he was too busy telling a story. Oh, I almost forgot to identify the nickname, gabby. I know that may seem hard to believe but....
I don’t know that he ever met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back. 

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Shelby was predeceased by brothers; Jack, Joe, and Elwood Owens, sister; Mary Alice Quals. He is survived by sons; Shelby Shawn (Julie) Owens and Tommy (Amanda) Owens, grandchildren: Matthew, Caitlin, Peyton, Ashley, Chelsie, Trevor, Savannah and Ethan.

OBITUARY

Shelby Owens

June 30, 1938 – January 31, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home

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