Memorials › Warren Lynon Owens
Warren Lynon Owens
6 Sep 1922 – 13 Nov 2011
| Birth | 6 Sep 1922 |
| Death | 13 Nov 2011 |
| Cemetery | Elmwood Memorial Park Abilene , Taylor County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | MBishop on 06 Jun 2020 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/80538961 |
Bio
Warren Lynon Owens , age 89, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2011, to be with his Savior. Born on September 6, 1922, in Macon, Texas, Lynon was the son of Willie and Elizabeth Owens. He had two siblings: a brother, Ryle, and a sister, Flora. Lynon's father passed away when he was 15. He helped his mother manage the family farm while finishing Nolan High School as the Class of 1940 valedictorian. To attend Hardin-Simmons University, he juggled three part-time jobs, including milking his two cows and selling the milk door-to-door. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1941, Lynon began working for Mack Eplen's restaurant, later known as the Briarstone Group. Over more than 45 years in the restaurant business, he rose from short-order cook to Chairman of the Board of Briarstone Corporation. He played a key role in shaping Abilene's culture, including the Drivateria's famous square burgers and pink cookies. Lynon interrupted his career in 1943 to serve 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 fighter leader. He survived two major crashes, including bailing out after a mid-air collision. Returning from active duty, Lynon married Lois Pauline Lord in 1946. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife on January 12, 1986; his parents; his brother, Ryle Owens; and his sister, Flora Lewis. Lynon is survived by his son, Ronald Lynn Owens, who completed his Naval career and now lives with his wife, Joanne, in Fairfax, Virginia. He also leaves three grandchildren — Bryan Owens, Janne Peters, and Jennifer Cullen and husband, David — and four great-grandchildren: David Owens, Rachel Owens, Andrews Meston, and Avery Peters. He served as President of the Texas Restaurant Association and was honored by Abilene with "Lynon Owens Day" on March 30, 1976. Lynon loved the Lord and South Side Baptist Church, a member since the early 1950s. His deep trust in God and passion for serving others shone throughout his long life. As a close friend said, "Lynon loved deeply, sincerely, freely, and faithfully. It was his defining characteristic." An elder, lay counselor, Sunday school teacher, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he finished well. To God be the glory. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011, at South Side Baptist Church, with Rev. Kevin Ueckert officiating. A reception will follow. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 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).
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