Curtis Weldon Owen passed away on March l8, 2010 in Abilene, Texas.
Curtis was born on December 30, 1931 in Sylvester. Texas. Curtis was the third child of William Homer Owen and Hettie Mae Gee Owen.
His childhood was characterized by early indicators of his curiosity and lively intelligence. His scientific interests and early experiments are legendary in his family.
He completed undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University and received a master's degree in physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He had an accomplished career as a particle physicist and worked as a group leader for the linear accelerator at Fermilab National Laboratory near Chicago. He continued to be an active learner throughout his life with special interests in photography, art, music, and computers.
Curtis moved to Abilene in 1988 from his longtime home in Chicago, Illinois, to be close to his cousins Kathryn and Beth Duff. He quickly became an active member of the Abilene community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Abilene Philharmonic Association. He was an active advocate and frequent volunteer for the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission.
Curtis was predeceased by his parents, his older brother, William Homer Owen, Jr., and his beloved cousins, Kathryn and Beth Duff and Helen Duff Seibt. He is survived by his sister, Martha Owen Moore and her four children as well as a large extended family. Curtis regarded his long-term friends throughout the United States as family and treasured them equally.
Memorial donations may be made to the Abilene Philharmonic Association or to the Presbyterian Medical Care Mission. A celebration of his life will be held in a private service. Arrangements are being made by Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.