Dr. Keith Owen

He was with family in his final moments. We will remember him as a loving father, great friend, amazing mentor, devoted son & brother, and by any measure one of the most interesting men to come out of Bexar County. Keith was a true Texas intellectual.

Keith was born to K.Q. and Ann Owen in 1944. From the beginning he showed a knack for academics and athletics. It was clear that Keith was fast, very very fast. After growing up a multisport athlete in San Antonio, Keith received a track scholarship to Schreiner University and then University of Texas at Austin. While running in college Keith set the Texas 200m dash record which stood for 10 years and is still one of the fastest times ever recorded in the state.

Keith was also very smart. He received numerous degrees, but the one he was most proud of was his PhD in Psychology with a Speciality in Social Science from the University of Texas. Keith went on to use this knowledge to become a world renowned expert in the field of Organizational Psychology, authoring a dozen books on the subject and helping numerous Fortune 100 companies develop more effective cultures and become better places to work for their employees.

Keith loved reading, politics, fishing, Colorado, Port Aransas, a good hamburger and intellectual debates with anyone sitting near him. A lifelong music lover, he consumed blues and jazz music ad nauseum - BB King, Chuck Berry & Hall & Oates are just a few of the artists he saw live with his children. He was always up for a spirited discussion on any topic from politics to quantum physics to UT Volleyball to the best BBQ in Central Texas. Keith was kind, patient, humble, and funny. He saw the good in people and encouraged them to be the best version of themselves.

However, what Keith loved the most were his family and friends. He had an incredibly close relationship with his late mother and father and mourned their losses very deeply. He was the male middle child between two loving women - his older sister Bobbe and younger sister Cathy and he remained an engaged and caring Uncle to their children over the years. Keith and his ex-wife Cheryl remained close friends throughout their life together and he maintained a loving relationship with her sister and his nieces.

His colleagues also became some of his closest friends - Kimberly Kristenson-Lee, Steve Dietz, Skip Culbertson, and Oscar Mink - all regular names in conversation and co-authors on the many books and papers Keith published.

Finally, Keith’s children, Kris and Kristin, will forever cherish the memories they created with their beloved father. He was their biggest cheerleader, their source of guidance, his love and devotion to them unwavering. Amidst the occasional bouts of eye-rolling and arguments over their bad musical preferences or bad early romantic relationships, most were moments of connection that left an indelible mark on their lives.

He was not just a father; he was a true friend to his children and his legacy extends beyond his role as their dad. He was a trusted confidant, a compassionate listener who also gave tough love when they needed it, and a true advocate for them, never asking of them anything more than to pursue with fervor whatever it was that was most important to them. His unwavering support and encouragement gave them the strength to pursue their passions and embrace life's challenges with determination.

Keith was a continuous and fierce supporter of women’s rights, before it was common. He taught the women in his life to be brave, strong and not accept the status quo.

He lived this principle by supporting future generations of strong and bright women of his family. Keith was the absolute largest advocate of Kristin, and his son Kris’ daughter, Abbie, who he tirelessly championed to not accept the limitations society set for them.

In his final days he said that we as humans spend too much of our lives orchestrating it to keep others out. In honor of his memory we ask everyone reading this to be more open to getting & giving a hug and connecting with those around you, today and every day.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Keith’s honor to the American Civil Liberties Union or your local Meals on Wheels organization.

A graveside service for Keith will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the Owen family.

Following the service in San Antonio will be a celebration of life at the YO Hotel in Kerrville at 6:30pm. All who loved him are welcome to attend.