Paul Barrett Owen: Leaving a Legacy

“It was a total surprise,” president Jon Cradit says of the news that longtime San Marcos resident Paul Owen, who died in January, had left a sizable bequest to SMGA. The board has not yet determined where Paul’s gift can best be used, nor have they decided how they will honor his memory.

As his obituary notes, Paul was a person who loved the natural world, particularly the wild spaces in and around San Marcos. His generous gift to SMGA will do precisely what he attempted to do throughout his life—conserve the beauty around him.

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Paul Barrett Owen

September 5, 1962-January 27, 2024

Paul Barrett Owen, a devoted steward of nature and beloved member of the San Marcos community, passed away peacefully at his longtime residence in San Marcos, Texas. Born on September 5th, 1962, in Alvin, Texas, Paul was the cherished son of Kenneth Barrett Owen and Margaret Burns Owen, and the third sibling in the family. He leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be forever cherished by those who knew him.

Paul is survived by his sisters, Cindy Gardin and Lori Jones, his brother, Kenneth Owen, his brothers-in-law, Billy Gardin and Brian Jones, his sister-in-law, Kathryn Owen, and his adoring nieces, nephews, and extended family. Among those mourning his loss is his best friend, Emily Madeley, with whom he shared countless wonderful memories.

Throughout his life, Paul held a deep reverence for nature, finding solace and serenity along the banks of the San Marcos River, a place he frequented and held dear to his heart. His passion for conservation led him to support organizations such as the San Marcos River Authority and The Texas Water Conservancy, dedicating himself to preserving the wild spaces of his beloved Texas.

Paul’s appreciation for Tex-Mex cuisine was well-known among his friends and family, with a particular fondness for enchiladas verde. A familiar face at Café on the Square, he shared many meals, laughs, and moments of fellowship with his close friends, his infectious smile and trademark bandana headwrap leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In his youth, Paul achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and love for the outdoors. His commitment to scouting instilled in him a sense of duty and respect for nature that guided him throughout his life.

While Paul was known for his quiet demeanor, his inner strength and thoughtfulness endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Paul’s presence spoke volumes, his kindness and sincerity leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

As we mourn the loss of Paul Barrett Owen, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the profound impact he made on those around him. His legacy of love for nature, kindness, and camaraderie will continue to inspire and uplift us all. Paul will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.