of Kerrville, TX
July 1, 1942 - July 30, 2024
- Obituary
- Guestbook
Sammy graduated from Waco High School, class of 1958. He played shortstop for the Tigers Baseball along with participating in pole vault and high jump. Sammy received a business degree from Sam Houston State University.
Sammy joined the Army National Guard of Texas in April 1966 until honorable discharge in December 1971. He continued his support of veterans through different endeavors throughout the years, most recently as a member of The American Legion Post #208 in Kerrville.
Sam had a 35-year career with Baxter Healthcare serving in many capacities. He started as a sales representative in San Antonio, TX in 1971; promoted to Regional Manager in Virginia; promoted to Area Vice President out of Dallas serving the Southwest U.S. and later the Western half of the U.S. He was a key member of the sales force to convert I.V. fluids from glass to plastic. He was awarded many incentive trips all over the world which he and Charlene enjoyed. His greatest accomplishment was the many people he promoted, enhancing them and their family's lives. He considered Baxter personnel as family and treated them as such. He was loved and respected by many and will be truly missed.
Sam started playing golf in his 30s and never looked back. His golf interest and talent lead him to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses across the country in tournaments with friends, 3 hole-in-ones, lifelong friendships and stories to share. Sam was a member of Great Southwest Golf Club in Grand Prairie in his early years while also joining friends at Colonial Country Club in Ft. Worth for uncountable times and tournaments. Then he enjoyed the remainder of his golfing ability locally at Comanche Trace Golf Club until back issues supported him to hang up the club and enjoy the golf channel from his recliner. He was grateful for the travel experiences of being a spectator during the US Open, PGA Championship and The Masters Tournament on a few occasions.
Sam and Charlene lived in Arlington, TX for 35 years. They faithfully supported the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys and continued to do so when they moved to Kerrville in 2011 to be closer to their grandsons. Sam was an active grandfather with many memories made supporting their athletics and school activities, driving golf carts, golfing, swimming and building fires.
Sammy was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Charlene, who he shared 61 years together.
Sammy is survived by his only child, daughter, Michelle Karon Chancellor and husband Jon of Kerrville, TX; grandsons, Ian and Adam Chancellor of Kerrville, TX; brother, Bobby Owens (Kitty) of Burleson, TX; cousin, Ann Hawkins of Dallas, TX; sisters-in-law, Karon Sullivant (Larry) of Gainesville, TX and Celia Kramer (Ronnie) of New Braunfels, TX; nephews, Marshall Owens (Jennifer) of Mansfield, TX and John Owens (Audrey) of Burleson, TX, Burke Sullivant (Toni) of Gainesville, TX, Christopher Thompson (Lindsey) of San Antonio, TX, Mark Thompson (Marissa) of San Antonio, TX; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday August 10, 2024, at Grimes Funeral Chapels, 728 Jefferson in Kerrville.
Memorial donations may be sent to the local Tivy High School Golf Team via the Booster Club organization https://tivygolf.boosterhub.com/store/7941/14804 or checks payable to Tivy Athletic Booster Club: Sammy Owens Memorial, 1100 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Juniper Village at Guadalupe Riverfront Assisted Living in Kerrville and New Century Hospice in Kerrville.
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5 Condolence(s)
Barry Bechtold
Garden Ridge, TX
Friday, August 16, 2024
Sam was a great man and well respected by all who knew him. He was unique in his insightfulness and the way he interacted with people. Those two character qualities are what made him successful in all his endeavors.
I had to interview with Sam Owens in order to be hired by Baxter Travenol in November 1978. Sam was a bit intimidating, yet friendly and welcoming. We went on several incentive trips together and Sam was my direct manager for several years. Sam would challenge you, but was always encouraging. He impacted my life greatly, and I'll never forget him . My faith tells me we will meet again in the sky Lord in the sky.
-Barry Bechtold, Garden Ridge, TX
Bill Wood
Kerrville, TX
Saturday, August 3, 2024
I can't be at funeral due to hospitalization at MDA in Houston for an operation. I played golf at Comanche Trace with Sammy and enjoyed his company. So sorry for Jon and rest of family.
I'm happy that Sammy and Charlene can be together in Heaven.
Bill and Cheryl Wood
Bradley Leach
Tampa, FL
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Sam was my final interview for the drug delivery position in Little Rock that reported into Ron Peters. I remember flying into Dallas, meeting the great Vicky Popplewell, and then talking with Sam. He made nervous kid just out of school feel like I was making the best decision of my life joining Baxter. It turned out to be just that, putting about 13 years in the books with them. After a restructure early on, I reported directly into Sam. That’s where I really got to know him. What an incredible man that cared deeply for his team and worked hard to make sure we all were successful. If you spent time with him, you knew he was a character that was fun loving with a great sense of humility and humbleness. I am extremely thankful that I had the chance to spend a lot of time with him and I know he’s up in heaven, playing a round of golf, and probably having a few spirited debates with Larry Jones. Rest in Peace my friend!!!
Ken Wingham
Indian Land, SC
Thursday, August 1, 2024
I didn’t interface that often with Sam but when I did he was very supportive.
He was a true gentleman and I always admired his honesty and I tried to mimic his management style which was admirable.
He will be missed by many.
Tom Caldwell
Natchitoches, LA
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Dear Michelle & Family,
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Sam from the time I was hired in 1977 until the time of his retirement. His contributions to the success of Baxter cannot be understated, and his friendship and guidance provided a clear path to success for so many to follow. I was also fortunate enough to share some great times on the golf course with him, and we trout fished a number of times in the Ozark Mountains together where Sam coined the famous phrase “It’s not all about the fishing”…….and it wasn’t! He worked hard, and he played hard, and we were all the better for it.