Joseph Franklin Owens, loving husband, father, grandfather, veteran and successful businessman, died March 8, 2013, in Brownwood.

Born to Earl Grey and Cecile Owens on Oct. 22, 1925, Joe went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He married the love of his life, Bettie Gaither, in 1947.

Joe became owner of Lubbock Battery & Electric in the early 1950s and operated the business in downtown Lubbock until retiring and moving to Lake Brownwood in the early 1990s.

Joe and Bettie joined Austin Avenue Church of Christ after moving to Brownwood.

Joe and Bettie enjoyed traveling throughout the United States in their RV and relished spending time at the lake with their children and grandchildren. A hard worker with an adventurous spirit, great sense of humor and talent for storytelling, Joe enjoyed his time working and playing in and around the water.

They are survived by their two children, Larry (Nila) Owens of Lubbock and Pam (Howard) Blount of Odessa; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.