January 30, 1947 – December 3, 2018

Douglas T. Owens

Douglas Tyrone Owens, the eldest son of S.T. Owens and Lizzie Merritt Owens, was born January 30, 1947 in Houston, Texas.

At a young age, he accepted Christ and attended church and Sunday School at Carter’s Temple CME Church. It was here, that he got his Christian foundation and bible teaching.

Doug, as he was affectionately called, attended J.C. Sanderson Elementary School and Kashmere Garden Jr. & Sr. High School.  At Kashmere, Doug was a member of the swim team, the ROTC, the science club, and was voted “Most Dignified” in the senior class of 1964.  As a proud alumnus, he always enjoyed socializing with the members of his class of 1964. After graduation from high school, he attended the University of Houston before deciding to go to work for the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier. He later went to work for Shell Oil as an instrument technician at the Deer Park refinery. He retired from Shell in 2008 after 40 years of service. People and family members would often ask him what he planned to do after retirement. With great pride, he would respond, “absolutely nothing”.

Doug lived a full and adventure-filled life. He enjoyed skiing and was a charter member of the Houston Ski Jammers and also the Best of Friends social club.  Both of these clubs enjoyed fun-filled travel all over the country and also internationally. Doug was both a car and motorcycle enthusiast.  He loved collecting and tinkering with classic cars, including older model Porsches and his beloved motorcycle.   He also loved talking sports and politics, and was very knowledgeable in both areas. He kept up-to-date by watching MSNBC, CNN, and of course ESPN for hours on end. But by far, his favorite past time was playing dominoes. Dominoes were part of a rite of passage in the Owens family, originating many years ago with his parents. Doug considered himself a master of both the game and the trash talking.

In March of 1998, Doug married Sharon Michael and together they enjoyed an active life full of community and social events.  Doug was known to love wearing hats and bow ties, while Sharon was a fashion icon in her own right.  Together, they would often strike a beautiful pose for the local newspapers while at both charitable, political and business affairs around the city & state. One of Doug’s most memorable moments was attending the first Inauguration of President Obama in Washington, DC.

Doug and Sharon joined New Faith Church under the leadership of pastor emeritus, Dr. T. R. Williams and have enjoyed continued membership under current pastor, Dr. Andre Lewis.

Douglas made the transition to his heavenly home on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 2:35pm after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Sharon Michael Owens, a loving son who considered him his hero, Ahmed Jehmal Owens, two closely knit siblings, Gwendolyn Owens Brown and Wayne Owens.  He enjoyed a close and warm relationship with his brother-in-laws, Albert Brown, Sr., Elzie Michael Jr., and James Michael.  He was cherished by sister-in-laws, Erica Owens and Sadie Michael. He will be dearly missed by nieces and nephews, Brian Brown (Sophia), Brandi Hills, Cody Williams (Gabrielle), Tobi Michael, Courtney Williams and close family friends who loved him like a brother, Carlton Rector and Antonio Butler. He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews and a community of beloved friends.