St. Mark's Mourns Legendary Teacher

St. Mark’s School of Texas mourns the loss of long-time faculty member Ken Owens, who passed away on March 19, 2024, at the age of 90.

“It is a sad day at St. Mark’s. Ken Owens was a remarkable educator who devoted his life and career to our School,” said Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini. “It was an honor and privilege to be his colleague and to watch him touch the lives of so many Marksmen. Ken’s lengthy tenure spanned more than four decades that were marked by dramatic change, growth, and progress as the School pursued ever loftier aspirations and strived for excellence in and out of the classroom. His deep commitment to St. Mark’s mission and values, his genuine love for the boys, and his unwavering devotion to his colleagues inspired countless other remarkable educators to put down deep roots at 10600 Preston Road.”

Throughout his longstanding service at St. Mark's, Mr. Owens took on ever-increasing and widely diverse roles as a teacher, administrator, and mentor, impacting the lives of thousands of boys across multiple generations. Beloved by graduates of all ages, Ken was recognized with Marksmen yearbook dedications by the Classes of 1974 and 1994, a unique honor that has rarely been bestowed upon a teacher multiple times. The presidents of those classes returned to campus to honor their former teacher when he was honored for 40 years of service to the School at the inaugural Spring Alumni Dinner in 1997.

The 1974 Marksmen honored Mr. Owens as a teacher “whose love and dedication for the school has inspired students both in and outside of class.” This sentiment was widely shared across the St. Mark’s community, including for many years following his retirement from active teaching. Graduating seniors in the 1994 yearbook would go on to say, in part: “We believe it is important to recognize a person who embodies the very traditions that have made this school great. Ken Owens is that person.” 

In addition to teaching math, Mr. Owens coached multiple sports, led the math department, served as class sponsor for grades 6, 8, 10, and 12, was the Director of Scheduling, Director of Admission, Business Officer, Lion and Sword sponsor, College Board Testing Coordinator, Faculty Senior Master, and so much more. He was the recipient of many honors and recognitions for distinguished service, including the Murrell Excellence in Teaching Award. Many longstanding members of the faculty and staff vividly recall Mr. Owen’s colorful recitations of the School’s rich history, as he was called upon for many years to help welcome and introduce new faculty and staff to the St. Mark’s community, its culture and traditions, and the values that underpin and advance the mission of helping boys develop into good men. Mr. Owens was also well known by his students to be a man of great discipline, punctuality, and consistently high standards. He would greet the boys each day with the well-worn phrase, “Do those things you should do, and do them well.”  

“His gentle yet deliberate manner in the classroom is something the students of Ken Owens always remember,” the Class of 1994’s dedication continues. “Owens is gifted at opening the minds of students who may have struggled with the challenges of mathematics.” 

Ken Owens earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University. He began teaching in his hometown of Waxahachie, where he also met Katherine, his wife of 68 years. After serving a two-year stint in the Army, the couple moved to Dallas and, in 1957, he joined the faculty of St. Mark’s School of Texas. Following his retirement in 1999, Owens remained closely connected to the School community, regularly attending alumni reunions, campus programs, and other special events. His contributions and legacy are forever embedded into the School that he helped build over more than four decades and are fondly remembered by those who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Katherine and the entire Owens family.