Mac Owens

Maclyn Owens, of Beaumont, Texas passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas.

Mac entered this world as a twin on December 10, 1946, in Beaumont, Texas, to parents Mary Ruth Speed and Ross Mac Owens. The twins were a surprise, and Mac, the younger twin, was underweight, colicky and required special care. His older brother Jim filled the gap helping their parents care for Mac and Marilyn. Little Mac would grow up from those humble beginnings to be a healthy and stout 6 foot 3 inches.

He was a 1967 graduate of Forest Park High School and went on to serve in the Navy on the USS Indra during Vietnam. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 292, of Beaumont, and proudly displayed his patriotic pride through his clothing and vehicle adornments and attended many Naval veterans’ events and reunions.

After discharging from the Navy, Mac returned to Beaumont and was swept off his feet by the lovely Josephine “Jody” Fertitta. He was quick to tell others that he fell in love with Jody the moment he laid eyes on her. They were married in September 1973, a short three months after their first date at a Carole King concert. Jody was the queen of Mac’s world, and during their 47 years together, Mac never forgot to bring his bride flowers on every birthday or holiday.

Meeting Jody wasn’t the only time Mac fell in love at first sight. When Mac caught the first glimpse of his daughter Toni, he instantly knew he would never be able to truly tell her no. Mac met his match with Toni, who displayed many of the same high spirited and stubborn traits as her Daddy. Mac was happy to marry Toni off to her husband Allen, loving Allen like his own, knowing his daughter was in good hands, and reminding Allen that there was no return policy – he couldn’t give Toni back. Toni and Mac were each other’s champions and Mac held his baby girl’s hand as he took his last breath.

Mac was so proud to have a son, that he chose to name him Ross Mac, after his own Father and many generations of Owens men before him. Mac pushed Ross to work hard and understand the value of a dollar and was incredibly proud of the husband and father Ross became. Mac and his son were best friends and enjoyed being together. Eventually, Mac decided he no longer needed to serve as the rock and leader of the family and passed that designation on to Ross, who stepped up to fill his Father’s big shoes. When Ross married his wife Rebecca, Mac continued the tradition of sending flowers to the ladies he loves, making sure Rebecca also had flowers from him on her special occasions.

Mac retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant after more than 30 years as a process operator. Mac worked hard and went above and beyond to provide for his family. He enjoyed all of the people he worked with at Goodyear facility and made many lifelong friendships.

Never one to meet a stranger, Mac would go to the store or on an errand and be gone for hours. He ran into people he knew everywhere he went, and even if he only recognized your face, he would be quick to ask how he knew you. Sometimes he would pop into local small businesses just to say hello, have a cup of coffee, or share a story or funny joke. There isn’t a joke Mac didn’t tell twice. Many times, he would laugh so hard while telling the joke that people could barely understand the punchline. He was also a fascinating, enthusiastic, and animated storyteller, discussing history and politics with anyone who would listen.

Mac is survived by his wife, Josephine “Jody” Feritta Owens of Beaumont, daughter Toni Robertson and husband Allen of Sour Lake, son Ross Owens and wife Rebecca of China, grandchildren Madyson Owens, Michael Owens, Tenison Bridwell and Jenna Robertson, twin sister Marilyn Ewing and husband Robert of Hurst, along with numerous other family members and friends. Mac was predeceased in death by his parents, brother James Ross Owens, sister- in-law Fumiko Owens, grandson Julian Thomas Owens-Miller, and several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Friday, January 8, 2021, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Funeral services will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 292, PO Box 1071, Beaumont, Texas 77704.

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This service can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=QBZh6kK7d1M