OBITUARIES

Charles Robert Owens

Published

2 years ago

06/21/2024

September 30, 1947 – June 18, 2024
MONTAGUE – Charles Robert Owens, 76, passed away at his home on June 18, 2024.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on June 29 at Bowie First Methodist Church, 1515 Jefferson St., Bowie.
Charles was born on Sept. 30, 1947 in Ardmore, OK to Glenn Alfred and Lois Evelyn (May) Owens. His given name was used by his family, however, friends referred to him as Charlie. Charles graduated from Ardmore High School in 1965 and attended Oklahoma State University on a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps scholarship. While attending OSU he met his best friend, Sandra (Sandy) Bledsoe and the couple married on Aug. 31, 1968.
During their early years dating, Sandy referred to him as “Chuck” following Peppermint Patty’s renaming of Charlie Brown in the comic strip “Peanuts.” From that point, former friends who called him Charles or Charlie were referred to as “BS” — Before Sandy. In April of 1969 the couple celebrated the birth of their first son, Richard Channing and in May, Chuck graduated and received his commission as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Infantry.
By the end of the summer of 1969 the family resided at their first post, Ft. Benning, GA where Chuck graduated from Infantry Officer Basic and Airborne Training. He used to joke that his first time to ever be in an airplane was to jump out of it. In fall of 1969, he was assigned to Ft. Sill, OK as armored recon platoon leader, where he was promoted to first lieutenant in 1970 as an infantry company executive officer.
In late fall of 1970 the family briefly resided in Ft. Bragg, NC where Chuck went through Special Warefare School before going to Vietnam. He spent 1971 in Vietnam’s southern delta region as a village and regional force advisor, earning the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star and promotion to captain. Upon his return to the United States in 1972, the family moved to his final post at Ft. Monroe, VA where he was assigned to the Continental Army Command Briefing Team and later as commanding officer of the 6th Military History Detachment, earning the Army Commendation Medal.
After release from Army active duty in August 1973 the family left Virginia and headed back to OSU at Stillwater, OK when their second son, Scot Christopher, was born after a brief three day stopover in Jackson, TN. Chuck earned his master’s degree in public administration in order to pursue a career in management that year.
In 1974 Chuck was hired as a management and budget analyst in Oklahoma City where he was later promoted to assistant to the city manager and finally, to director of management and budget. In 1980 he was hired as deputy city manager in the city of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
In 1985 he became city manager for Lewisville, TX helping the city grow from a population of 30,000 to almost 100,000, until his retirement in 1998 after 12 years of service. Although he helped build the city’s infrastructure, finances and service, he was most proud of his mentoring role in developing a strong staff over the years and of their leadership and commitment to serve the public.
After retirement, Chuck and Sandy built their final home on 68 acres in Montague County where they raised and sold coastal Bermuda hay and hosted “Camp Gramma” for the grandchildren and their friends. Long an advocate for the city manager form of government, Chuck continued his membership and participation in both the International City Management Association (since 1974) and the Texas City Manager’s Association (since 1985).
He also continued his commitment to Rotary International and its values which began as a high school Rotary student, followed by Lewisville Rotary in 1985 and Bowie Rotary from 2004. He kept in contact with many former Lewisville staff and council members. The deep friendships formed in Lewisville eventually developed into monthly meetings of the “Lunch Bunch” in Denton over wild stories, laughter and eggs Benedict. Chuck was deeply touched, especially in the later years, by the gatherings and the strong bond of friendship that held after so many years.
While Chuck was proud of his military service, his career in public administration and his membership in Rotary, he was most proud of his family, recently sharing that he hoped they knew how proud he was of all of them and how much they were loved even though he was not good about sharing his feelings.
Mr. Owens is preceded in death by his parents and younger brothers, Jeffrey Lynn Owens and Glenn Wesley Owens.
Chuck is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Sandy; sons, Richard Owens and wife Amy, Northlake, TX and Scot Owens and wife Amanda, Lakewood, CO; granddaughters, Emerson Owens and Olivia Owens Lane and husband Evan and grandson, Noah Owens and wife Jessica.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Rotary Happy Feet program.

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OBITUARIES

Sylvia Jackson Stone

Published

6 days ago

02/05/2026

bowienews

November 26, 1940 – January 28, 2026
BOWIE – Sylvia Jackson Stone, 85, died on Jan. 28, 2026 after a short illness.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb. 6 at the First Baptist Church of Bowie with Pastor Mike Henson officiating.
She was born in Corsicana on Nov. 26. 1940 to Mildred and L.R. (Willie) Jackson. She was the oldest of four Jackson siblings. She graduated from Doniphan High School in Doniphan, MO in 1957 and became a registered nurse upon her graduation from the Baylor School of Nursing in 1962. She worked as a nurse and homemaker for many years before retiring to Bowie.
She was a Christian woman who attended many Baptist churches throughout her life ending with First Baptist Church of Bowie. She was also a member of Bowie’s Knit Together Sisterhood.
She is preceded in death by her parents; three siblings; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is survived by her husband, Tony C. Stone; two sons; one daughter-in-law; six grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to charities of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

OBITUARIES

Dr. Ronald Wayne Westbrook, D.C.

Published

6 days ago

02/05/2026

bowienews

September 12, 1957 – January 25, 2026
BOWIE – Dr. Ronald Wayne Westbrook, D.C., 68, passed away on Jan. 25, 2026.
The family received friends on Feb. 2 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A funeral service was at 1 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie with Dr. Tony Rogers officiating. Burial followed with military honors at Terral Cemetery in Terral, OK.
Ron was born on Sept. 12, 1957 to Jerry Philip Westbrook and Louise Marie Tettelton. He grew up in Nocona and graduated from Nocona High School in 1976. While in school, Ron excelled in UIL, One Act Play, track and football. He started all four years on the varsity football team, playing on both sides of the ball, earning All-State honors. After graduation, Ron joined the United States Air Force.
In 1977, he married Sharon Duke from Terral, OK.
Ron was known by many names: devoted husband, father, grandfather (Nonnie), son, brother, doc, Dr. Ron and true friend. He had a passion for helping people. This passion is what led him to his career in chiropractic medicine. Dr. Westbrook graduated from Parker University in 1994 and taught chiropractic technique to all under classes at the college. He opened his business, Health Innovations, in 1994 in Decatur. His love and compassion for his patients made him stand alone as the best chiropractor in this area. They will miss him greatly.
Throughout his life, his work ethic was undeniable. Whether it was carpentry, working two to three jobs to support his family, putting himself through college, or just lending a helping hand to any friend or family that needed it, you could always count on Ron to be there, no matter what.
Along with his many other accomplishments, Ron was a published author. In 2012, he wrote the book, “Choices.”
Ron enjoyed dancing, trying new foods and restaurants, going to the movies, trying to be funny, sports, spending time with family and most of all being “Team Payton.” He will always be remembered for his love and devotion to his friends, family and patients. Our hearts are comforted knowing he is now in his eternal home wrapped in the arms of Jesus, his dad, mom, brothers and daughter, Megan.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, James Westbrook, Alan Robinson and Mark Robinson; and daughter, “gorgeous genius,” Megan Westbrook Holt.
Ron is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Westbrook, Bowie; granddaughter, Payton Holt, Bowie; brother, Eddy Robinson, Bowie; sister, Rebecca Compton, Hurst along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES

Billy Joe James

Published

6 days ago

02/05/2026

bowienews

April 21, 1941 – January 28, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Joe James, 84, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A visitation was on Feb. 4 at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. A funeral service was on Feb. 5 and burial followed at Jones Cemetery in Kendalia, TX.
Billy was born on April 21, 1941 in Lockett. He was the youngest of nine children of Alfred L. and Ethel James. Billy spent portions of his life living in Denton, Shoreacres and Kendalia, TX. A U.S. Army veteran and Second Lieutenant in the National Guard, Billy served as mayor of Shoreacres and was active in civic activities where he lived. He excelled in multiple fields including business, ranching and civic service. He founded Bee Jay Molding, a successful injection-molding business in the Houston and Boerne communities.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings and a grandson.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane; three children; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Billy is remembered as a dedicated family man, leader, mentor and friend.
Memorial donations may be made to Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department, Comfort Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Services entrusted to Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.
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