Jerry Runnels Owens

Jerry Runnels Owens, 86 years old, of Tahoka passed away peacefully on January 26, 2024, with family members by his side. He was born on July 14, 1937, to Thomas Benton Owens and Josephine Annie Owens in Ballinger, TX.

Jerry was very proud to have worked over 20 years in the oilfields around the Permian Basin in Pecos, Odessa, Midland, and multiple towns throughout Texas. If you were around him long enough, you would hear one story or another of the work that he loved.

Jerry could be found in his shop or somewhere around his home working on some type of gadget or project that was going to be the next best thing. He enjoyed raising unique farm animals, whether it was goats or miniature donkeys and always had something keeping him busy.

His proudest, and most cherished moments were when he was around family and his grandchildren or nephews and nieces and always had something to brag about with each one of them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Josephine, wife Kathy Owens, nine brothers, Alton, Irving, Milton, Clint, Charles (Sonny Boy,) Damon, Bill, Tommy, Guy, and one sister, Hilda Fae, as well as his daughter Sandra Kay Croteau and grandson, Derrik Scott Poitevint.

He is survived by one daughter, Pamela Hilger and her husband Don Hilger, and a son-in-law Ray Croteau. Two beautiful granddaughters Kelsi Hilger, Tara Harrison and her husband Mike Harrison, a grandson Trystan Hilger and his wife Briana, and a great-granddaughter, Trinity Harrison. Five great-grandsons, Sage Poitevint, Daxyn Arce, Drew Harrison, Jaxton Harrison, and Malakai Senaido Hilger as well as several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Lange Funeral Home, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Old Runnels Cemetery, at 11:00 a.m.