Monday, December 20, 1954 in Austin, Texas, God gifted the late Samuel C. Owens, Sr., and Maurice Hilliard Owens with a son, whom they would name Chester Luther. He was the fourth of six children born to this union. Chester received Christ at an early age as a member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Austin and later continued his faith journey at New Faith Church in Houston, Texas.

Chester attended schools in the Austin Independent School District  Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1973 from William B. Travis High School, where he was a standout athlete and three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and track where he broke school records that would last for decades.  He continued his education at Prairie View A&M University, where he pledged the Rho Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and later joined the Theta Chi graduate chapter, becoming a Lifetime Member. In April 2025, Chester celebrated 50 years of service to his beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

In October of 1976, Chester and the former Rose Pugh of Galveston began a love story, culminating in marriage on August 25, 1978. This union, lasting nearly half a century, joyfully and lovingly welcomed the birth of two sons—Evan Kristopher and Clayton Adam, who followed lovingly and boldly in their father's Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. "footsteps".

To know Chester was to know the meaning of warmth, wit, and unwavering love. Affectionately known as "Hopper"—a nod to his beloved Omega Psi Phi line name "Weed Hopper"—he was a man whose presence brought comfort, joy, and ease to every room he entered. Chester once referred to himself as "easy like Sunday morning," and those words weren't just a motto; they were a reflection of his soul. His calm spirit, gentle demeanor, and ever-present smile made him a light in the lives of those who knew him.

Chester had what his wife, Rose, lovingly calls "smiling eyes"—a window to his boundless joy, quick humor, and compassionate heart. His laughter was easy, his stories unforgettable, and his wit always left you grinning. But behind that humor was a depth of care that was just as remarkable. Chester was deeply empathetic, always attuned to the needs of others, always ready with a kind word or helping hand.

He was a family man to his core—steadfast, protective, and proud. His love was both unconditional and constant, offering a foundation of strength and tenderness for those he called his own. Whether you were kin by blood or bond, if Chester loved you, you felt it deeply.

Loyalty was a hallmark of Chester's character. As a friend, he was the kind you could count on—faithful through every season, committed through every circumstance. If he was in your corner, he was there to stay. For years Chester devoted himself to coaching multiple sports, shaping not just athletes but young lives. He also acted as a surrogate father to many of his athletes. His presence on the field and on the court was matched by his impact beyond the game—serving as a steady mentor and role model who instilled disciple, integrity and compassion. Chester L. Owens was, quite simply, "good people." And the legacy he leaves is stitched with laughter, love, and the quiet power of a life lived with heart.

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Chester returned to his Heavenly Father, who loaned him to us for seventy years. He is now rejoicing with those who passed before him including his father Samuel C. Owens; both grandmothers, Estella Owens and Cora Lee Mack; and his mother, Maurice Owens.

Living to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rose; his sons, Evan (Ebony) and

Clayton (Melanie); his siblings, Gwendolyn "Peaches" Williams, Samuel (Gloria) Owens, Jr., Sandra Kay (Ralph) White, Pastor Ray (Dion) Owens and Andre (Shelia) Owens; his grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. To all who have loved and cared for Chester, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.