Reverend Owen McGarity

Reverend Owen McGarity, 90, passed away recently at Westminster Manor in Austin.

Owen was raised in Philadelphia by his parents Owen and Nellie McGarity and attended Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn. He graduated from McCormick Seminary in Chicago. He met his wife Lois, a fellow Maryville student, in 1946. After their marriage, they moved to Ashmore, Ill. where Owen served as pastor of the Ashmore Presbyterian Church. Following Ashmore, Owen served churches in, Brighton Park, Ill.; Ossian, Ind.; Rosenberg; Port Neches; Clarendon; Memphis (Texas); and Gonzales.

While living in Rosenberg, he received a Masters of Theology degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After retiring, he continued to serve as a part-time pastor in Luling and Cheapside and as the chaplain of the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center in Ottine.

In the spare moments of his full life, Owen was an avid ham radio operator with ham friends throughout the world.

While living in Clarendon, he was an active member of the Lions Club, taught courses at Clarendon College, volunteered as an EMT, and supported the Broncos football team.

Owen is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Thomas, Arthur, Elizabeth Silva, Ralph, and Mary Nell Clark, 14 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

A service in celebration of Owen’s life was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Austin on Friday, Feb. 27. A graveside service was held at the Gonzales Memorial Park Woodmen of the World Cemetery in Gonzales on Saturday, Feb. 28.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, 100 E. 27th Street, Austin, TX 78705.