Howard Wayne Owens

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Howard Wayne Owens, also known as Pops, at the age of 91. Howard passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and loved ones on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Visitation will begin at 6 pm, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Millican United Methodist Church. Funeral Service will begin at 11 am, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the church. Cremation services are under the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Howard was born in Laneville, Texas, on February 18, 1934, to Earnest B. Owens and Edna Henry. He grew up to be truly gentle, kind being. Howard graduated from Cedar Bayou High School. In the mid-50s, he served in the Army. He was honorably discharged. On June 6, 1959, Howard married Brenda Hale. Together, they had two boys, Billy and Clyde Owens. Howard was a loving family man. Howard’s 24-year career as a glassblower awarded him the opportunity to see the United States Department of Labor recognize glassblowing as an official occupation. Throughout his career, Howard used his spare time training cutting horses. In 1977, he started the real cowboy life by opening a training barn in Navasota, Texas. Seven years later, his passion for horses brought him to Millican, Texas, to open Owens Cutting Horses. Howard was instrumental in promoting the Appaloosa breed of cutting, halter, and western pleasure.

Howard Owens finished in the Year-End Awards numerous times as the Hi-Point Open Junior or Open Senior Cutting Horse on the State and National Level. Howard appeared in many National Western Horseman magazines due to his expertise. Throughout the years, Mr. Owens helped many amateur owners receive National and World Championship titles on horses he had trained. Howard was a member of Millican United Methodist Church. He served on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and had a country and western swing band. Tuesday nights, he hosted his musician friends’ country and western jam session, and on Friday nights, he and Brenda hosted dinner along with a large serving of laughter with family and friends.

Howard Wayne Owens will be fiercely missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing his path. Howard is survived by his wife, Brenda Owens; son, Billy Wayne Owens, and wife Tracy; brother-in-law, Frank Hale; grandson, Koby Wayne Owens; girlfriend Wendy Hart; and great-grandson, Sutton Wayne Owens.

Honoring the life of Howard as Honorary Pallbearers are John Hutchison, III, Dale Martin, Danny Kurten, Jerry Finch, Stan Ward, Mike Williamson, Bobby Hunter, T-Bone, and Members of the band.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are asked to be given to the Millican Heritage Society, Post Office Box 448, Millican, Texas 77866.