[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF JEROME PRESTON OWENS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2025

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jerome 
Preston Owens, Jr., who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the 
age of 85.
  Jerome was born on June 28, 1939, in Jasper, Texas to Reverand Jerome 
Preston, Sr. and Louise Nichols Owens. He graduated as Valedictorian of 
his class in Jena, Louisiana, where his father was the pastor of the 
First Baptist Church. Upon graduating, he received a football 
scholarship to play for Louisiana College. Jerome then patriotically 
served our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1963.
  His father served as pastor for the First Baptist Church in 
Nederland, Texas, which is where Jerome met Marilyn Fraser, the love of 
his life. In 1965, Jerome's father officiated their marriage and they 
began their lives together. Jerome and Marilyn were married for almost 
60 years and were blessed with two daughters named Stacey and Sharla.
  He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1969 from Baylor School of Law. 
While studying at Baylor, he was actively involved in the collegiate 
community, serving as a member of Alpha Chi and Senior Class President. 
Jerome practiced as an attorney specializing in corporate law for 
Coastal Corporation in Corpus Christi and Houston, Texas, where he 
traveled extensively. Jerome's primary devotion throughout life was for 
his family. His young daughter's drawing of him holding his suitcase 
inspired him to relocate to a smaller community to have more time with 
his family. He chose to move to Woodville, Texas where he established 
his own law practice and raised cattle with his father.
  Truly a man with a commitment to serve others and seeking to make a 
difference in the community, Jerome served as County Judge of Tyler 
County for 17 years. He then served as a Texas State District Judge and 
a Texas Senior Judge. Jerome continued to faithfully serve his 
community by being a deacon and trustee of the First Baptist Church of 
Woodville. After moving to Houston, he became a deacon at Second 
Baptist Church in Kingwood, Texas.
  He received many awards recognizing his dedication to public service. 
Jerome was named the ``Ralph W. Steen Memorial East Texan of the 
Year,'' and ``Tyler County Citizen of the Year.'' For his leadership 
and skills, he received the ``Award for Excellence in Community 
Service,'' and the ``American Hometown Leadership Award.'' Jerome was 
appointed by Governor Rick Perry to chair the Texas State Community 
Development Review Committee. Additionally, he served on the board of 
trustees for East Texas Baptist University, board of directors for the 
Tyler County Hospital, served as president for Deep East Texas Council 
of Governments, president for Deep East Texas County Commissioners and 
Judges Association, the Tyler County Bar Association, and fellow at the 
Texas Bar Association. He was also a member of the American Legion.
  Jerome is remembered as ``one who loved his family and friends, for 
his deep commitment to God, his unwavering integrity, his eloquent 
speeches, deep wisdom, quick wit, humor and bellowing infectious 
laugh.'' Jerome was highly esteemed and adored by his family and 
community. His family has said, ``He was an all-around kind of man, one 
that loved sports, southern food, current events and a good joke. He 
was well versed in politics and had an answer for any question asked of 
him.'' He served diligently, was a loving husband, father, and 
grandfather. Jerome was a lifetime friend and inspiration.
  Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Jerome Preston, 
Sr., and Louise Owens, and sister, Jane Owens Griffin. He is survived 
by his wife Marilyn Fraser Owens; daughter Stacy Owens Ekstein, son-in-
law Chris Ekstein, daughter Dr. Sharla Owens Sundberg, son-in-law Dr. 
Eric Sundberg; grandchildren, Bella Frances Ekstein, Sophia Marilyn 
Ekstein, Savea Kenny Sundberg, Soren Jon Jerome Sundberg and Anders 
Owens Sundberg, sister, Diann Owens Dotson, brother-in-law Ray Dotson; 
brothers-in-law, Tom Fraser, III, and Ed Fraser, sister-in-law Jean 
Fraser; and many nephews and nieces.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor my dear friend, Jerome Owens, for 
his many years of faithful service to his community. My most sincere 
prayers remain with his family and friends during this difficult time.

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