Leslie Owen

Leslie H. Owen of Corpus Christi, Texas, went to reside with his savior on November 16, 2018 after a prolonged illness. Throughout his life, Mr. Les, as he was known to friends, lived by a code that included loyalty and service to God; his family; and his country and community. A good and faithful servant, he upheld those values most conducive to the American way of life. Though accomplished in many ways, he never boasted. He always tried to see the best in others. Even after his loss of speech, his brilliant smile, lively eyes, and warm hugs communicated his desire to love and encourage all around him. Leslie's early years fostered the diversity he would carry into his later life. Born in 1925 to Hector and Gertrude Owen, he lived his early life in DeKalb, Texas, a farming community outside Texarkana. As a boy, Leslie rode a Shetland pony to school. Later, in his teen years, he retired the horse and began running to and from school. He lettered in football, as well as playing trumpet and trombone in the band. He also sang in a bluegrass gospel choir in his spare time. In 1943, at high school graduation, Les was selected for the Navy. He spent the next two years aboard the U.S.S. Tatum, a two-star destroyer escort which survived attack in the South Pacific Theater. After returning from WWII, Leslie resumed civilian life as a young man in Aransas Pass. He went to work in the warehouse of Commercial Motors where he met his true love Theresia Le Blanc. They were married in 1952 and maintained a devoted union for nearly 66 years. Leslie and Theresia have three daughters: Sandra (Jim) Dudley of Corpus Christi, TX, Liz (James) Patterson of Pflugerville, TX; and Pam (Sanford) Tirado of Anthem, AZ. His wife and daughters survive him, along with 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. As he matured, Leslie faced the challenges of cancer and heart disease, but he continued to work steadfastly for both Sinclair and Citgo Refineries. At Citgo he meticulously supervised two warehouses for 35 years, retiring with both safety awards and the respect of his co-workers. At the core of Leslie's life was his belief system and church affiliation. As a member of Parkdale Baptist Church, he taught 4th grade boys and became the director of Adult Bible Study. He served in the Parkdale Pantry to support the community. In Jamaica, he helped set up summer time Vacation Bible School. In later years, when he moved his membership to Second Baptist Church, he served on the Personnel Committee. For several years he faithfully attended the adult Sunday School there. Les also enjoyed various hobbies and activities through life. He managed an industrial league baseball team, bowled, jogged, fished; and played tennis and golf. When he could no longer swing a club, he could be found in his lounge chair watching his favorite sport on television. In addition, Les was a talented wood worker, building projects without benefit of patterns. He also enjoyed constructing model ships and airplanes. Further, Les was a lifetime member of the Oso Masonic Lodge, and served as its secretary for 25 years. As he always felt it was a privilege to serve his country, after retirement he volunteered on the U.S.S. Lexington, greeting and guiding visitors. He donated his WWII naval uniform to her museum. He loved airplanes, especially the Blue Angels, and could often be seen gazing at them, even if it interrupted a round of golf! As he grew older, Les and his wife moved from family camping trips on the Frio River to an exploration of the whole United States, his beautiful country. These trips frequently included relatives Buddy and Billie Cavitt. Upon Buddy's passing, Les's sister-in-law Billie continued to travel with the couple on the road trips and cruises. Les considered her a true sister of the heart, and their visits and conversations enriched his life. To know Leslie Owen was to know a man who quietly stood in the background showing competence and steadfastness as he pushed others forward and upward; a man of integrity and forgiveness. Beloved by the youngest family members who called him Grandpa Gigi, to the oldest who knew him as Daddy, he will be missed, but none of us will forget the joy that comprised the life of Leslie Owen, our rock and our anchor. The family would like to thank Dr. Breeling and the other doctors and nurses in attendance during the final days at Doctor's Regional Hospital; Dr. Cathy Cole-Perez; Dr. Robert May, Jr.; Dr. Alfonso Villamil, and Zakaria Saleem. The home hospice care, especially that of Cynthia, Madonna, and Dora, is also much appreciated. We would also like to acknowledge the love and care of friends and neighbors, which means so much. A military funeral will be held December 3, 2018 at 11:00 at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Calallen. A memorial service will follow after the first of the year, at the Second Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one's choice of charity.