1SG Rene "Buck" Owens, USA, Ret.

Buck Owens was born on October 5, 1950 in Straubing, Germany to SGT Harry and Regina Owens.  He passed away at his residence in Killeen, Texas on May 14, 2013, at the age of 62.  He was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer in June 2012, to which he succumbed.

Buck graduated from Killeen High School in 1969.  In 1985 he attended Alabama's Aviation and Technical College and received his Airframe and Powerplant Certification from the FAA.

Buck proudly served his country  in the United States Army for 26 years, achieving the rank of First Sergeant.  His many military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. He was authorized to wear the Expert Marksmanship Badge for Rifle and Pistol, the German Marksmanship Badge and the Master Crewman Badge.  Buck was proud to be a member of the Tribal Order of the Athapaskan, the Honorable Order of St. Michael and the Order of the Spur.

In 1973, Buck met the love of his life, Ruth, in Killeen.  They were married on December 24, 1974 in the First Cavalry Chapel at Fort Hood, Texas.

Buck called Killeen home for the last 32 years.  After retiring from the Army on March 31, 2001, Buck continued his career in aviation as a civilian employed by Dyncorp, now Lockheed Martin.  He oversaw the Aviation Life Support Equipment until December 2012.

On May 21 an inurnment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  When the family and their many friends arrived, they were welcomed by fifty American flags, blowing briskly in the Texas wind, and the Patriot Guard Riders.

After Buck's cremains were moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

Pastor Kenny Rawls of the Skyline Baptist Church read to the congregants Buck's extensive biography, explained, in detail, the meaning of The Lord's Prayer, and led the family and friends in a final prayer.

The United States Army Honor Guard afforded to Buck full military honors. A detail of four rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.

The American flag that had rested next to Buck's cremains was carefully unfolded, and refolded into the traditional triangle.  It was presented to Buck's dear wife of 36 years on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

The cremains of First Sergeant Rene "Buck" Owens were then entombed in a niche of the columbarium and sealed for all time.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, their two sons, two granddaughters and many other dear family and friends.







Also left behind, is Buck's best friend.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral home for biographical information and additional photos.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting for memorial contributions to be sent to

The Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter
Association of the US Army
ATTN:  Wounded Warrior Program - c/o Buck Owens
PO Box 10700
Killeen, Texas 76547