Robert Owen Obituary

March 18, 1929-June 24, 2022

Robert Barton "Bob" Owen of Corpus Christi, Texas and Durango, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022. He was 93. Bob was born March 18, 1929, to Arthur Guy and Martha E. Owen in Beaumont, Texas. Bob joined Boy Scouts and began a love of the outdoors that would continue throughout his life. He earned Eagle Scout and from 1944 to 1948 attended Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, NM as a scout and eventually as Base Camp Director and Winter Camp Director. He spent part of his adult life giving back to scouting as an Explorer Advisor and Scout Master, returning to Philmont to lead an expedition of young scouts. His experiences at Philmont led to a fascination and love for geology. Heading West, Bob enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines. Bob, or "Tex" as his buddies called him, joined Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, lettered on the track team, and held down numerous jobs to fund his education. At Mines, Bob developed lifelong friendships, always finding time to enjoy the mountains, and even raced pack burros from Leadville to Fairplay. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering in 1951.

After graduating, Bob enlisted in the Army and became an officer at Fort Belvoir, VA. He was assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, MO, where he trained combat engineers and infantry soldiers. Bob proudly served his country in Korea as 1st Lieutenant in the 1093rd EAB as an Aviation Engineer Unit Commander. While attending a dance at The United Nations Officers Club in Washington, DC, Bob met the love of his life, June Thomas. Knowing he was soon to be deployed to Korea, he proposed, and on January 17, 1953, Bob and June began their life together. They were married 69 years.

Bob embarked on a lifelong career as an independent geologist and successful oil and gas prospector. He was co-founder and first President of Petroleum Data Service, served as President of the Corpus Christi Geological Society and as delegate to AAPG. He joined SIPES and was very active at both local chapter and national levels, serving as Chapter Chairman, chaired its National Convention, and was recipient of the SIPES Outstanding Service Award. He always pursued his passions whether it was geology, running, or sailboat racing where he would recruit his children to crew in many regattas. After a trip to Hawaii, Bob developed a love for plumerias and soon cultivated many varieties, co-founding the Plumeria Society of Corpus Christi and serving as its first president.

The mountains remained Bob's true love where he enjoyed skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. He loved the geology of the San Juan mountains, joined the Four Corners Geological Society, and found the perfect home in Durango, CO. Bob was eager to share his love of skiing. He became a PSIA Ski Instructor with Adaptive Sports at Purgatory Ski Resort where he helped those with disabilities to experience the joy of skiing.

Bob summited 47 of Colorado's 14,000' peaks, some multiple times. He climbed his first 14er while attending Mines. This often involved hitchhiking with friends to the trailhead and running up the mountain. He climbed his last 14er, Handies Peak, at the age of 80. While climbing, he would grin and say, "I wonder what the city folk are doing?" He taught his children and grandchildren to love and respect the mountains. Bob will forever be in our hearts as we remember him for his kindness, generosity, his love of geology, and above all, love for his family.

Bob is survived by his loving wife June, daughters Holli Owen, Christy Owen (Wayne) McConnell, Robin Owen, and son Tom Owen, grandchildren Alyssa, James, Alanna, Taylor, Paige, Mackenzie, Madison, Lane, Sarah, and Ryker, as well as six great grandchildren, nephews David and Michael, and niece Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Martha Owen, brother Art Owen, and sister Bernice Maggio. A private family service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Robert B. Owen to Adaptive Sports Association, Durango Colorado, P.O. Box 1884 Durango, CO 81302, or by using the online link below:

https://asadurango.salsalabs.org/donate/index.html