Jo Ann Owen

Leslie Jo Ann Blackman Owen passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2013. She was born and raised in Hutto, Texas, the only child of Leslie and Inez Blackman. She was a graduate of Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Jo Ann continued her studies by receiving her Master of Science Degree from Texas A & I University in Kingsville.

After meeting her lifetime love, John Owen, they were married on June 22, 1951, in Laguna Beach, California, while John was serving in the United States Marine Corps. After returning to Taft, they were blessed with their only daughter, Leslie. Jo Ann began her tenure in Taft Independent School District where she retired in 1986, after 43 years of teaching at the elementary level. Mrs. Owen loved her students and wanted every child to have a good education.

Jo Ann has given her time as a member and served in many roles for the following organizations: Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, The Woman’s Club of Taft, Taft Kiwanis International Club, Texas Retired Teachers Association and the First Baptist Church of Taft, as well as many other clubs.

Jo Ann loved to travel and spent her summers and retirement years exploring the world and learning about other cultures. She loved animals very much and she received much joy from her pets.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Edward Owen and her parents Leslie and Inez Blackman.

Jo Ann is survived by her daughter, Leslie Ann Owen of Taft. She will always be loved and remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Visitation will be Monday, July 1, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home Chapel, Taft. Graveside Services will be Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Taft Memorial Park, with a Celebration of Life immediately following at 12:00 noon at First Baptist Church, Taft. Serving as pallbearers are: Monte Floerke, Gary Box, Bobby Floerke, Troy Floerke, Sheriff Leroy Moody, Roy Sanders, Larry Biffle, Coleman Miller and Gorman Ritchie.

In lieu of flowers, the family request expressions of sympathy be given to Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas; South Texas Children’s Home, Mineral, Texas; or the Humane Society of your choice.

Service entrusted to Colonial Funeral Home, Taft. Please join us in celebrating Jo Ann’s life by visiting our Memorial at colonialfuneralhometaft.com.