Retired County and District Judge Jerome Preston Owens has died

Southeast Texas mourns the loss of former County and District Judge, Jerome Preston Owens.

Judge Owens first served this Nation as a United States Marine, and later the citizens of Tyler County as their County Judge for many years, before becoming the District Judge of District Court 1-A for two term, serving the citizens of Jasper County, Newton County and Tyler County.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said, "Judge Owens was a true servant of God and his people and always led with honor and integrity. We will miss his kind heart, jokes and caring leadership. He was an inspiration to me and to several others over the years and will be greatly missed."

In a Facebook post, Judge Owen's wife, Marilyn said, "Please keep our family in your prayers as we face the days ahead without this wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. Jerome sustained a fractured skull and brain bleed from a fall at church on February 9, 2025. He worked very hard, but was unable to recover from these injuries and passed away peacefully today about 11:15 am with family by his side. We will update when arrangements are completed for his services."