Timothy “Travis” Owens was born September 12, 1967, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Travis married the love of his life, Rachel McGinness, on September 26, 1997. He was a Class of 1985 Benton graduate. After graduation, he served four years active duty in the U.S. Army and 11 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Captain Owens retired from the St. Joseph Fire Department after 26 years of dedicated service. During his service he was a member of the SJFD Honor Guard and a recipient of the SJFD Lifesaving Award. He was a member of IAFF Local 77, serving as union steward and as president for the last few years he was involved. Travis was also an EMT and worked on the ambulance for 10 years.
Travis was a member of The Keys Christian Fellowship Church.
His survivors include his wife of 20 years, Rachel Owens; his son, Jacob McCollum; his daughters, Keely Bruckshaw and Baylor Owens; his granddaughter, Addisynn Estes; and extended family and friends.
His hobbies include coaching his children in basketball, baseball, softball, track and field, and football, as well as refereeing, traveling with his family, being a grandpa, and serving his community.
Travis was my evaluator when I was a pool firefighter…he never sugarcoated anything but was one of my best friends…I miss him immensely!!
– Chris Walters