Herbert William Owens, Jr.

– Herbert William Owens Jr, also lovingly known as Papa, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the age of 91 in his home surrounded by family. He was born in 1931 to Herbert William and Edna Dean Owens in Phoenix. Herb was a gentleman and fiercely loyal to those he loved. He loved his children and grandchildren beyond measure. Herb grew up in Phoenix. He attended Murphy Elementary School and Phoenix Tech. He was a hard driver from the very start. He worked on his family’s farm, he delivered newspapers, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout; as, student body president in his senior year, he was voted “most likely to succeed.” After serving in the Air Force, Herb settled back in Phoenix and started a life-long dedication to family and business. By all accounts he was determined and focused on what he felt was right. This inner drive was complimented by his charm and intense curiosity that took him down the most interesting paths. He was a pilot, cowboy, rancher, lumber salesman, avid fly fisherman, golfer, gardener, cook, animal lover, business owner, tree farmer, and forester, just to name a few of his roles. In February 1962, he started Precision Components Inc. with his brother Richard to bring prefabricated roof truss production, packaged with lumber and carpentry labor to the Valley of the Sun. He believed this style of construction would become the homebuilding standard; and those methods continue today. Also at that time, he served on the board of directors for Hydro-Air Engineering of St. Louis, one of the premier manufacturers of truss press machines. During the 1970s and 1980s he became involved in horse racing. He and Richard opened a horse racing operation named Triple AAA Ranch. Herb also served as the President of Turf Paradise. During his tenure there Turf Paradise experienced much growth. In the late 1980s, Precision Components changed its core business from truss building and framing to operating the Great Southwestern Swap Meet; creating Phoenix’s largest rail port facility; and cultivating Blue Hesper Palm Trees. The swap meet during its height hosted close to 50,000 people each weekend. It was a place of cultural significance for Latin American people as it was modeled on the open-air markets found throughout Mexico and Central America. Precision Components is still in operation today focusing on the rail port business and industrial warehousing. In his 61st year of business, a week before his passing, Herb was at the office working, just as he had always done. Memorializing Herb wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Herb’s connection to Greer, AZ. Herb had a deep, abiding love for Greer. He purchased a site for his family’s cabin in the late 1960s, after having camped in that same spot as a youth with his cousin Albert. Over the years, Herb added the Spade Ranch and forest lands to his Greer holdings. Under Herb’s guidance, his Greer properties have used balanced forestry practices to create a haven for wildlife, lower the risk of wildfires and a place where livestock thrive. Greer is the special family gathering spot where Herb spent time with his children, grandchildren and friends enjoying the mountains. Herb’s life was unique in many ways. He had the ability to push through any project and any obstacle. He rarely got mad; instead, he chose to keep moving forward. He was good at listening and purposeful about responding. The memory of him, and his essence, will be cherished by many. Herb is survived by his children Christopher (Flor de Maria Cristina) of Scottsdale, Hal (Kimberly), Michelle, and Mathew (Enedina) of Phoenix; his grandchildren Ben, Hal, Jenna, Sophia, Hugh, and Camila; his brother Richard of Phoenix; his nephews Kevin and Kory of Phoenix, and Mark Fulgham of Mountain View, CA; his niece Erin Edwards of Phoenix; and ex-wife Suzanne Owens of Sedona. Herb was preceded in death by his parents; brother Tom of Phoenix; sister D’Alva Fulgham; brother-in-law Leonard Andrew, “L.A.” Fulgham of Saratoga, CA; nephew Craig Fulgham of Las Vegas; and ex-wife and mother of surviving children Gene Eaton Owens of Phoenix. A celebration of life service will take place at Phoenix Country Club February 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Flowers and donations are respectfully declined.