Jack Owens, Jr.

Jack Marshall Owens, Jr. DDS was called home on May 11, 2018, at the age of 59 years old. His quick wit and generous heart will be deeply missed by those who called him husband, father, grandfather, brother, dentist and friend.

He entered this world on January 26, 1959, in New Orleans, LA. The fourth child and only boy born to Jack Marshall Owens, Sr. and Betty Keeny Owens, Jack began pushing buttons and boundaries from the earliest of ages. His mischievous, crooked smile and self-deprecating humor paired well with his adventurous spirit and sacrificial hospitality. Jack studied Biochemistry at LSU, pledged as a Theta Xi, and was known to run shirtless down Sorority Row. When he was wearing clothes, they were quite stylish - earning him the nickname "GQ" through college. He found love while studying dentistry at LSUHSC, where the daydream believer met his homecoming queen - Kelley Snider. Because the eternally youthful Jack often missed social cues, Kelley was forced to corner him one day, asking, "What do I mean to you?" He replied, "We are only ever going to be just friends." They remained "just friends" for 36 years.

While attending dental school together, Jack and Kelley realized their own need for grace and forgiveness. Their love was strong, but their hope had been built on the things and people of this world. A classmate shared good news with them - that they were great sinners, but that Jesus was a great Savior. They came to know the undeserved mercy and grace that Jesus showed the world. By absorbing the just consequence for our injustice, deceit, pride, control, and rebellion on the cross, Jesus exchanged death for life. Jack found forgiveness, grace, freedom, and eternal life alongside his bride. And the gratitude, grace, and generosity of this imperfect man pointed countless others to his Perfect Creator and Savior, and enabled him to live his life without fear.

As a father, Jack would have moved heaven and earth for his children. He was full of life - which makes his death inconceivable. He was faithfully present - which makes his absence incomprehensible. He was brutally honest - always truthful about his own mistakes in order that his children would not follow in the steps he regretted. He was both terribly corny and irreverently hilarious - eliciting eye-rolls, pained groans, and belly laughs with his joy and humor. He was inexhaustibly encouraging - cheering others on through his words and tangible acts of love. He was silly and spontaneous. He loved much, and loved without distinction.

Jack resided with his wife and beloved dog Penny in Zachary, LA, and has owned and operated Owens Family Dentistry since November of 1987. Jack served as Elder at the Plains Presbyterian Church, and was active in his denomination - counseling and encouraging pastors around the country.

Jack is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Kelley Snider Owens; two sons, Jack Marshall Owens III (Hilary), Zachary Snider Owens (Kristen); daughter, Grace Jael Owens; 4 grandchildren, Samuel Kenneth, Alexandria Joy, Jackson Isaac, Ruth Eden Rose; three sisters, Charlotte Owens Lynas (Barry), Maida Owens, and Susan Owens Snelling. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack is predeceased by his father, Jack Marshall Owens, Sr.; mother, Betty Keeny Owens; infant sons, Gabriel Christian Owens and Michael Solomon Owens; and one miscarried child.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Plains Presbyterian Church, 22929 Old Scenic Hwy, Zachary, LA, Monday, May 14, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The visitation will continue Tuesday, May 15, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Reverend Jack Marshall Owens, III, and Reverend Campbell Silman. The graveside service and burial will follow in Plains Presbyterian Memorial Gardens officiated by Reverend Richard Bailey.

Baker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Owens family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories at bakerfuneralhomeonline.com.

Visitation

Visitation

Plains Presbyterian Church
22929 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA  70791
Monday, May 14, 2018
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Visitation

Plains Presbyterian Church
22929 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA  70791
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Plains Presbyterian Church
22929 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA  70791
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Plains Presbyterian Memorial Gardens
Plains-Port Hudson Road
Zachary, LA  70791