Gene Harris Owen

Dr. Gene Harris Owen, age 85 of Bonham, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Funeral Services or Gene will be held on Saturday June 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Southside Baptist Church in Denison, Texas under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Arledge Ridge Cemetery in Bonham, Texas. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wise Funeral Home.

Gene was born on April 26, 1938, in Aubrey, Texas. He was the son of Bob and Mary Waller. He graduated from Denton High School at 18 years of age. He married the love of his life, Dolores Fay Russell, on October 27, 1956, in Ardmore Oklahoma. He served in the United States Army. Gene moved his family to Bonham, Texas in 1973 to become the pastor of Central Baptist Church. He had a true pastor's heart. He faithfully served and loved his congregation as his own family for 27 years. After retiring from the pastorate, he became head Chaplain at the Sam Rayburn Memorial Veteran's Center for 10 years. He continued to serve his community through singing and preaching for the remainder of this life. Gene was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his daughters Kathy Hughes and husband Greg of Bonham, and Lesley Thomas and husband Bruce of Wichita, Kansas; his grandsons, Jonathan Hughes and wife Lindsey of Midland, Texas, Aaron Hughes and wife Tayler of Bonham, Texas, Brett Thomas and wife Ashley of Wichita, Kansas, and Bryson Thomas of Kansas City, Kansas; his great-grandchildren, Madison, Addisyn, Kayla, Emilee, Piper, and Sofia; his brother-in-law, Jerry Russell and wife Sharon of Crowley, Texas; his nephews Ricky Russell and wife Cindy and Randy Russell and wife Amy.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Dolores; his parents; his granddaughter, Summer Thomas, and great-grandson Bryson Hughes.

Gene will be missed dearly by his numerous friends and family.

Online guest register at www.wisefuneralhome.come