Lifelong Abilene resident Burl Glen Owens, 96, passed away, Monday, May 23, in Oklahoma City. Funeral services honoring his life will be held on Friday, May 27, 12:00 P M at North's Funeral Home with Jim Richardson officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held North's Funeral Home, 242 Orange St, Thursday evening from 6-8 P M.

Burl was born in Abilene, Texas, September 11, 1925, to James Arnold Owens Sr. and Jewel Faye Hampton Owens. He attended schools in Hamby and Abilene. He married Erma Lee Richardson, June 14, 1945, in Hamby Texas. In 2021, the couple celebrated their 76th Anniversary with family and many friends present. At the time of his death, Burl was planning on celebrating their soon to be 77 years together.

Burl and Erma Lee were a great team. Together they worked and raised their two sons and contributed to the care and wellbeing of others. They were helpful, generous, and always willing to open their home to family, friends, and acquaintances.

After working a few years at Richardson Grocery, in 1949, Burl went to work at Gooch Packing Company. He quickly rose to Supervisor status and worked in various capacities at the Gooch Company for the next 42 years, as well as farming in the Hamby Community. During his tenure at Gooch's, Burl cultivated many friends and helped numerous boys become responsible young men. Several have kept in contact with Burl, often calling or visiting. Only recently some of his former coworkers invited Burl to join them in a car trip to see the changes made in this area. For him, it was a great afternoon of fellowship and reminiscing. Burl enjoyed reading, had a great recall and could contribute to conversations in almost any topic.

Burl is preceded in death by his parents, infant son Michael Burl Owens, daughter-in-law Sheryle Owens, three brothers and one sister: James Arnold Owens Jr, Floyd Owens, Dean Owens, and Lavoy Williams.

Burls is survived by Erma Lee, his wife of almost 77 years: two sons, Gary Owens of Plano and David Owens and wife Susie of Oklahoma City, four grandchildren: Brad Owens (Dorci), Heather Owens, Brian Owens (Danai), Lacey Roche (Joey), 10 Great Grandchildren; four brothers: Mack Owens of Abilene, Frank Owens of Clyde, Don Owens and Jerry Owens, one sister Jodi Owens of Clyde and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family suggest that memorials be made to MEALS ON WHEELS, P O Box 903, Abilene, Texas, or the donor's favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com