Gerald Jerry Owens

Jerry Owens was born March 6, 1927, in Dallas, Texas where he received the early years of his formal education. He was promoted several grades forward, arrived in high school at the age of twelve, and at the University of Texas at the age of fifteen. His undergraduate work was in history and he subsequently earned his LLB from UT Law School in 1949.

University work was interrupted for WWII service. Jerry was chosen by the Army to attend Yale University in 1945-1946 as a student at the Army Specialized Training Program ASTP where he and his classmates learned Japanese. The war ended before their class was dispatched to do the work for which they trained.

After receiving his degree, Owens began practice in Houston with Andrews Kurth. From 1950-1961, he litigated against and worked with many lawyers in Houston who became life-long friends. During this time, the firm represented Hughes Tool; Mr. Howard Hughes requested the firm's service in the person of young Owens, Esq., to assist him with various projects. For ten years, Jerry represented Hughes in chosen personal and business matters. Jerry's highest achievement in association with Hughes was the formation of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI. This visionary nonprofit medical research organization is one of the largest philanthropies, with laboratories worldwide, supporting basic research in science and biomedicine, and fostering science education at all levels.

In 1962, Jerry left Houston to join Mobil Oil in New York City, serving as house counsel in the international division, then as Vice President of International Sales, and at the time of his retirement, he had achieved the position of President of Mobil Sales and Supply and Vice-President of Mobil Oil Corporation. In his work for Mobil, he traveled 250, 000 miles a year. He had numerous international friends, many in Japan, partly as a result of his fluency in the Japanese language; his proficiency even allowed him to conduct a news conference in Japanese. His manner and acumen put him in the company of influential world citizens, negotiating contracts in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, with the Spanish government, with Greek oil magnates and, in all places, business associates became friends and their friends became friends.

His extensive international travel continued after retirement in 1983 to Carmel California. As an avid golfer, he participated in more Pro-Ams on the PGA, Senior PGA, European, and LPGA Tours than any American amateur between 1979 and 1992. He was a two-time winner of the Four Star ProAm tournament in London in the 1980's, a highlight of his golfing career.

Jerry was an outdoorsman and athlete all his life. He played football in high school and, at the University of Texas, played for Coach Bible as a fifteen year old who relinquished his spot to Bobby Layne. However, he was able to stay close to the Horns and to the game as a spotter for Kern Tips' radio broadcasts of SWC games. And he remained a proud Longhorn, loudly cheering the National Champions in the 2006 Rose Bowl.

This gentleman was a wine connoisseur; a wordsmith with impeccable grammar; a puzzle-solver who daily completed the NYT crossword, cryptoquips and logic puzzles; a tournament bridge player and winner; a race horse owner; a big game hunter; a singer as a youth with such pizzazz he was offered a contract to sing on "Broadway" but the folks wanted him to stay at UT; creator of the Kenny Stout Memorial golf tournament at Carmel Valley Ranch golf club; originator of a pro-am tournament for Mobil in Japan in the 1980's; Trustee of the Monterrey Institute of International Studies; a Director chosen by the Future Homemakers of America; Chairman of NESA- COOP NorthEast San Antonio - Community Outreach for Older People Faith In Action and served on their Board; member of many other boards; and a saved soul, by the grace of God.

From coast to coast and around the world - a bon vivant; proud to wear pink from head to toe or blue paisley pants and yellow socks; a friend of Presidents and laborers, all were treated equally by Jerry. A fierce competitor, you wanted him on your side. His personality sparkled as much as his eyes and his smile and his wit were legendary and unmatched.

He lived life abundantly, boisterously and on arrival in heaven, held out his hand, and, as if God didn't already know, said, "I'm Jerry Owens. Thanks for inviting me."

Born March 6, 1927 in Dallas TX, Died February 26, 2006

Parents: Gerald Timmons Owens and Sibyl Blackwell Owens both dec

Jerry is survived by his loving family, including his destined love, Linda Schaal Mercer, along with:

Daughter: Ann Tierney Farrier-Owens of Houston

And her mother Sally Farrier Owens - Houston

Step daughters:

Ann Jaeger and her husband Bryan - Carmel CA

And their children: Michele and Christopher Jaeger

Lynn Kurteff and her husband Scott - Carmel CA

And their children: Garret, Gwyneth, and Ethan Kurteff

And Ann & Lynn's mother, Carol Lee McDonald Owens Holland

Brother: Richard Owens and wife Rolann

of Orlando FL and Oberaudorf Bavaria Germany

And Richard's children:

Jacquelyn O'Connor - Houston

Louise Owens and her husband Charlie Papaceno - Dallas

Richard Owens and his fiancé, Mary of Knoxville TN

Great Nephews:

Benjamin & Christopher O'Connor; Augustus Papaceno

Brother: Charles Blackwell Owens and wife Sally of San Antonio And their children: Yvonne and husband Trey Goessling - SA Tiffany and husband Chris Scuitto - SA and Los Angeles "Collie" Owens and wife Lisa - SA Jeffrey Owens and wife Heather - Kerrville Great Nieces and Great nephews:

Luke & Dylan Scuitto;

Tatum & Madison Owens;

Ferris, Savannah, Ellyse & Griffin Owens

Resident of:

Dallas

Austin 1943-1950 except U.S. Army service 1945-46

Houston 1950-1962

New York. NY 1962-1983

Carmel, CA 1983-1997

San Antonio 1997-present

Church Affiliations:

Oak Lawn Methodist, Dallas

St. Luke's Methodist, Houston charter member

Calvary Baptist, New York City

Carmel Presbyterian, Carmel CA and Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights in San Antonio