Wendell Owen Middleton, 82, passed away early Monday morning, July 27, 2009, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas with his family by his side.

He was born June 23, 1927 to Chester Owen and Johnnie Velma (Reese) Middleton in Carbon, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother J.R. Middleton, and best friend and brother-in-law W.J. Clayton.

He is survived by: his wife of 60 years, Nell Bell Middleton, son Gary Owen and wife Sharon K. Middleton of Alvin, Texas; son Bruce A. and wife Hope W. Middleton of Spring, Texas; and daughter Terri Nell and husband Stephen W. Turk of Conroe, Texas; grandson Kirk Owen and wife Laura P. Middleton of Friendswood, Texas; grandson James Scott Middleton of Powder Springs, GA; grandson Derrick Wesley Turk of Waco, Texas; granddaughter Holly Michelle Middleton of Spring, Texas; and grandson Douglas Wendell Turk of Conroe, Texas.

He is also survived by brother: T.J. Middleton and sisters: Geneva Hamilton, Sue Lowery, and Juanell Clayton, all of Bay City; special aunts: Evelyn Cole of Lubbock, Texas; Zoe Koinzan of Houston, Texas; and Faye Burrow of Riverside, California; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins around the country.

Owen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the Destroyer USS Lavallette in the South Pacific Theater after volunteering for service at age 17 with his mothers consent. He proudly received his High School diploma at a special Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony at Bay City High School on November 11, 2008. He was a member of the American Legion Post 11 in Bay City and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He retired from Amoco Production Company in 1984 with 40 years service holding the position of Bay City Field Supervisor. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bay City, being baptized there on January 14, 1940 and married there on July 3, 1949. His special love was teaching Primary III (Third Graders).

Owen will be remembered by his family as a quiet, patient, honest, and dependable man who loved God, his family, and his country. His favorite times were spent at Matagorda Beach with his family. He will be dearly missed by all.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2009 at Taylor Brothers Funeral Home in Bay City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church, Bay City: Brother Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Van Vleck. Pall bearers will be his sons and grandsons. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church 2321 Avenue F Bay City, TX 77414 or MD Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Houston, TX 77030.