A wonderful husband, loving dad, amazing grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, Nathan Owens, 87, of Lubbock and formerly of Hale Center, was healed and left this world to be with his heavenly Father on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Lubbock.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 14, 2022, at the First Baptist Church, in Hale Center, with Pastor Tom Heath and Dr. Gene Meacham officiating.  Interment will follow at Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 13, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at Ramage Funeral Directors in Hale Center.

Nathan was born in Plainview, Texas, on May 7, 1934, to Ludy and Charlie Owens.  After graduating from Hale Center High School in 1952, where he was Sr. Class favorite and voted most athletic, he joined the United States Army. He served mostly in Germany, where he and his lifetime friend, Manfred Misch, explored and enjoyed all things Germany.  Upon his discharge from the Army, he came home to marry his sweetheart, Betty Jo Uptergrove. They married on October 28, 1961, and he adored her for over 60 years.

Nathan worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 36 years.  He had a love for horses that he developed on his uncle's ranches in Roy, New Mexico.  Times spent there were some of his most cherished memories.  He loved his family fiercely and always made sure they knew that he loved them "more".  He attended every activity that his kids and grandkids participated in and was their biggest fan.  His competitive nature came out on the tennis courts, on the golf course, with any card game, and in any area pool tournament, where he was well known for winning and bringing home the prize.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ludy Owens and a nephew.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Owens of Lubbock, a son, Billy Smith of Burnet, three daughters, Diana Mandrell and her husband Larry of Troup, Stacy Jackson and husband Jon of San Antonio, and Shelly Johnson and husband Troy of Lubbock, and one sister, Charlene Ledbetter of Brownfield.  He was blessed with seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church PO Box 396 Hale Center, Texas 79041.