BURLESON – Herschel Bailey Owens lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Texas, went to be with the lord on March 5, 2026. He was born on December 31,1935, to Inez and Herbert Owens. He served in the US Air Force as a young man, returned home and met the mother of his children, Carolyn. He had three children, Ronald Ray, Scott Arden and Stacey Kaye. With these children, he became a grandfather to nine, great-grandfather to ten and great-great grandfather to two. Herschel became an employee of Ft. Worth Fire Department where he followed in his father’s footsteps. His father served as Fire Chief from 1962-1969, and had the nickname of Monk. Herschel was named “Chip” by his fellow firefighters. He served as a firefighter for years and then was sent to Bomb/Arson school and was part of the first existing squad for the city. He married the love of his life, Melba Jean in 1970, whom he has been lost without since her passing in 2008. There was a lot of years meeting with friends for breakfast where the men all shared war stories of life in general. He loved the time he had with the men at the Dixie House. In his last years, he enjoyed seeing pictures of his grandchildren. You could see joy on his face for the first time in years. He loved watching golf, baseball and football and would not rest without a call asking how to work the tv. Smart tv was not his friend. The family will miss his humor and will think of it often. He is resting in peace now and I am sure he has some great company up there. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Greenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family request any donations be made to Susan G. Komen. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584
Related
View more details from the funeral home site.
Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.