Lynon Owens

On Sunday, November 13, 2011, Lynon Owens, age 89 of Abilene, Texas passed away to be with his Savior. Warren Lynon Owens was born on September 6, 1922 in Macon, Texas, son of Willie and Elizabeth Owens. He had two siblings, a brother, Ryle, and a sister, Flora. His father passed away when Lynon was 15. He helped his mom take care of the farm while finishing Nolan High School as the 1940 class valedictorian. He worked three part time jobs to make it through Hardin-Simmons University, to include milking his two cows, and selling the milk up and down the street. He received a Bachelor of Science degree. He started working for Mack Eplen's restaurants in 1941, later to become the Briarstone Group. He worked in the restaurant business for over 45 years, rising from short order cook to eventual Chairman of the Board, Briarstone Corporation. He was instrumental in Abilene culture, to include the Drivateria's square burgers and the famous pink cookies. Lynon interrupted his career in 1943 to serve his country as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew P-39s, P-38s, P-47s and P-51s, and was selected as an advanced instructor pilot and flight leader. He survived two major crashes, including bailing out after a mid-air collision. He married Lois Pauline Lord in 1946 after returning from active duty. Lynon was preceded in death by his wife on January 12, 1986; his parents; brother, Ryle Owens and sister, Flora Lewis. He is survived by his one son, Ronald Lynn Owens, who completed his Naval career, and now lives with his wife, Joanne, in Fairfax, Virginia. Lynon leaves three grandchildren, Bryan Owens, Janna Peters, and Jennifer Cullen and husband David, and four great-grandchildren, David Owens, Raechel Owens, Andrea Meston and Avery Peters. He served as the President of the Texas Restaurant Association, and was honored by Abilene with a "Lynon Owens Day" on March 30, 1976. Lynon loved the Lord and the South Side Baptist Church. A member since the early '50s, his trust in God and fervor to be used in the lives of others shown throughout his long life. As a close friend said, "Lynon loved deeply, sincerely, freely, and faithfully. It was his defining characteristic." An Elder, a Lay Counselor, a Sunday School teacher, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he finished well. To God be the Glory. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, November 18, 2011 at South Side Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin Ueckert officiating. A reception will follow the memorial service. Graveside services will be at 1:30 pm Friday at Elmwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lynon Owens Memorial Fund for South Side Baptist Church, 1425 South 7th Street, Abilene, TX 79602. (325 677-8185)