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Royal H. Owens

April 26, 2026

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Royal H. Owens, 92, High School Math Teacher, died Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Echo Owens; wife, Melva Mae Owens; siblings, Bessie, Sammie, and Jack. Survived by his sons, Gary (Holly Dyer) Owens of Wichita, KS, Craig (Tamara Kupper), Owens of Basalt, CO; grandchildren, Alex, Chloe, Satchel and Karuna.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Bike Walk Wichita, 325 N. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67202.

Arrangements with Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Royal H. Owens 's name.

Bike Walk Wichita

325 N. St. Francis

Wichita,

KS

67202

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  1. Our thoughts and prayers on the passing of your beloved dad. He was loved and respected by his former students. May the memories that linger be those of joy and laughter.

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  2. Owen was a good man. Great mentor to a young teacher. I will always remember his advice and greatlful for his help in my early years.

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  4. Our thoughts are with the Owen’s family. Meeting Mr. Owens at the HOF induction a couple of years ago was a highlight for me as my father used to tell me stories of Mr. Owen’s teaching him and a select handful of other students, high level math in the back of the classroom because there weren’t enough students to fill those classes. Maybe Mr. Owens and my old man are doing AP Calc in the sky right now?

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  5. I had Mr. Owens for Geometry at Heights. I last saw him at our 40th Reunion for the Class of 1971. I never had any other interactions with him outside of those two instances, but he seemed like a very decent man. Rest In Peace, Mr. Owens.

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  6. Mr. Owen’s was my absolute favorite math teacher. He made me love the subject and under his guidance I learned to love algebra, geometry and all things math related. I am forever grateful. Rest in peace Mr. Owens!

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  7. Phenomenal teacher! So professional in his teaching. I had a great deal of respect for him both as a teacher and a person. I have often told people he was my favorite teacher at Heights. My sincere condolences to the Owens family.

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  8. I have such great memories of teaching wth Royal a Heights from ‘88-‘98. He loved biking and we often talked of the subject. It did not matter that I was a new teacher and in a different department, Royal respected everyone and treated them with kindness. Prayers for the family in this time of loss.

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  9. Mr Owens was definitely one of my favorite Teachers at Heights! Always professional and always willing to help!
    I wish that his family has strength and that he will rest in peace.

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  10. We taught with and loved Royal for years, both as a colleague and a friend. Melva also! They were an amazing couple. We lost contact after retirement and Melva’s death.
    Sincere sympathy to the family he loved. ❤️

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  11. Royal and Melva were a wonderful couple who befriended our family. They generously allowed us to vacation with our 3 sons at their lake home on Table Rock. Though I was not a student of his, I often heard stories from former students who sang his praises. He was devoted to his family. My sincere sympathy to his family…I hope you keep his love of biking and the outdoors alive!

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  12. Royal, Melva, and boys were our neighbors on Kenawee. Sam and Royal taught together at Wichita Heights. They took us camping and canoeing, neither of which we had done before. Of course they were pros and because of them Sam and I survived, barely. Such good folks.

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