Funeral services for Marion D. Owens, 85, formerly of Portales, will be held at 10:00 AM, Fri., Jan. 5, 2017 in the Wheeler Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Thurman Vanzant and Homer Vanzant officiating, assisted by Ron Jackson. Burial will follow in the Portales Cemetery with Caleb Hartley, David Owens, Robert Owens, Mike Owens, Rick Owens, Ron Jackson, Darwin Culpepper and Mark Vanzant serving as pallbearers. Marty Martinez, Tim Tivis, Glen Fields, Joe Kelly, Michael Vanzant, Steven Vanzant, Keith Vanzant, Greg Vanzant, Monte Roberts, Larry Teal and Larry Boyd along with the members of the Portales High School Class of 1952 will be honorary pallbearers. Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to either the New Mexico Christian Children’s Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales, NM or to the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home, P O Box 629, Portales, NM. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 PM.
Marion Dee Owens was born Aug. 24, 1932 in Booker, TX to the home of Iva Myrtle (Eagles) and John Roscoe Owens and died peacefully at his home in Lubbock on the afternoon of Dec. 31, 2017. Marion’s family moved to Portales when he was 5 years old. As soon as he was big enough, his parents had him helping to pick beans. Marion worked his whole life. While in high school he played running back on the football team. He graduated in 1952, and in Oct. of that year he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Marion served in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict, and was discharged in Aug. of 1954.
Upon returning home, he enrolled in E.N.M.U. where he studied business and education. On Dec. 28, 1957, he was married to Velma Vanzant. In 1958, he began working at Portales Drug for Sam Price Douglas. Eventually, Mr. Douglas made him the manager. In 1970, he and Velma purchased the Parkway Super Market, which they owned until they closed it in the late 1980’s. In the early 90’s he purchased the Berkley Apartments which he renovated and ran until in 1998 when he sold them and fully retired. Two years later he and his wife sold their home in Portales and moved to Lubbock to help take care of their grandchildren and be closer to their medical care.
He was a devout Christian. During the years he lived in Portales, Marion was an active and faithful member of the First Assembly of God Church where he served as worship leader. Marion was never still for long. He was meticulous about his yard and garden. Marion was a handyman, and seemingly could either build or fix just about anything. He was devoted to his wife and family, and was always ready and willing to help anyone who needed his assistance.
He is survived by Velma Owens, his wife of just over 60 years; a son, Dr. Bruce Owens of Kansas City, MO; a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Randall Burrell of Midland, TX; four grandchildren, Caleb (Jamie) Hartley, Katie (Jason) Young, David (Ashlee) Owens and Alexandria Owens; five great-grandchildren, Owen Hartley, Hutton Hartley, Christian Young, Lane Wood and Emme Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth and Sherman Owens, a sister, Maxine Clifton, an infant great-granddaughter, Kynlee and an infant son, Brice Lynn Owens who died in 1963.
