1953–2022
LUBBOCK— Eddie Owens, 69, died on Monday, September 19, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. Services will be Monday, September 26, 2022, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock, with Rev. Ray Spradling officiating.
Eddie was born in Silverton, Texas, to Gaston and Lottie (Vaughan) Owens on August 30, 1953. His faith was his foundation, and he led his life modeling Jesus’ example of serving others.
He earned a master’s degree in mass communications, with a public relations concentration, from the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University. In 2011, he was honored as Outstanding Alumnus by the college. He also held a bachelor’s degree in political science and speech from Wayland Baptist University. He received the Distinguished Service Alumni Award from the university in 2009.
Eddie married the love of his life, Lynn Blodgett Owens, on March 22, 1997. Eddie loved Lynn with all his heart, and she stood by, supported and encouraged him every day of their 25 years. Eddie’s daughter, Kami, inherited the world’s best “bonus mom.” Eddie and Lynn’s world would forever change and be brighter with the birth of “Katie Scarlett” (as known by her Pop Pop), Kami’s daughter and their grandchild.
Second to the love of his family was his passion for storytelling, especially if it involved sports. It is said if you find a job you love, you never feel like you are working. Eddie hit a home run in his professional life.
His first job after graduation was telling the stories of Wayland Baptist University, where he was director of public relations and taught mass communication courses. He would then serve as sports reporter and editor for the Plainview Daily Herald, where he wrote the “first draft” of many historical sporting events.
Moving to Lubbock, Eddie joined St Mary of the Plains Hospital as director of community relations, and later served as director of marketing and public relations for Covenant Health Systems. Thereafter, he would serve as director of communications for United Supermarkets. Eddie was honored with the American Advertising Federation’s silver award in 2012 by the Lubbock chapter.
Eddie was in a unique position to share important business stories of his community. From the merger of St Mary’s and Methodist Hospital, which created Covenant Health Systems, to United Supermarkets’ centennial anniversary, Eddie was in the center of the action, crafting stories and sharing messages.
Committed to serving his community, Eddie served on the board of several nonprofits, including Hospice of Lubbock, South Plains Kidney Foundation, Lubbock ISD Foundation for Excellence, Lubbock Area United Way, the Lubbock Chapter of the American Red Cross and Volunteer Center of Lubbock.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Lynn, and daughter Kami Bedford, son-in-law Brandon Bedford, and granddaughter Scarlett Kate Bedford. In addition, he is survived by sisterin- law Shirley Henderson; nephew Wayne Henderson and his family; niece Sonya Bitner and her family; and sisters-in-law Sue O’Connor, Jan Blodgett and Lori Parham, as well as niece Wendy Forrest and her family, and niece Melissa Parham.
Eddie was proceeded in death by his parents, parents- in-law Dolphus and Lou Blodgett, brother Dwain Henderson, nephew Zane Henderson, and sister-in-law Teresa Blodgett. He is also survived by a host of cousins and countless friends from all corners of the world.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Lubbock Area United Way, Hospice of Lubbock and Morris Safe House.