Owen Tyler Gafford, 24, of Pasadena, Texas, passed away June 20th, 2023.  Owen was born September 8th, 1998, in Houston, Texas to Kevin Gafford and Jo Anne (McGarry) Gafford.

Owen is survived by his father, Kevin Gafford, mother Jo Anne Gafford; sister, Kaylee Gafford; Great Aunt, Nancy Hughes, Great Aunt Pat Grady, Great Aunt, Earnestine Mathews, Great Uncle Jack Conroy, Aunt Eileen McGarry, Aunt Shirley Brown, Uncle Brian and wife Kristina Gafford; many cousins and numerous friends.

Including his grandparents, Robert & Judy Gafford and Shirley & James McGarry, Owen was preceded in death by his uncle James McGarry.

Owen was our world and our hearts are shredded.  He loved big.  He never complained about his situation, he was never bitter, and he never felt sorry for himself.  Even under difficult situations, he would say, "It could be worse".  Owen was passionate about his beliefs in God and football.

Owen claimed Philippians 4:13 as his own:  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". He was of strong belief.  He loved and was passionate about the University Of Texas football and the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He was honored to be able to attend a UT practice and meet their coach.  Through the Make-A-Wish foundation he was able to meet not only his favorite team, The Steelers, but personally meet and have a meaningful conversation with Mike Tomlin (Steelers Head Coach) and Art Rooney (owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers).  Through the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Owen attended the week-long 'Camp for All' in Burton, TX for ten consecutive years.  That week was always the highlight of his year.  He cherished the friendships he made during that time.  Owen was blessed to be an Athletic Trainer for Deer Park High School throughout his high school years.  Those years spent under those Friday night lights were the highlight of his years.  The bonds he formed with the athletic trainers,  students, players, coaches, teachers, and principals were the most valuable memories he had.  As a family and for Owen, he loved you all and we are so very thankful and honored of the friendships and kindness shown to him.  Go Deer!!!!

The family will receive visitors Thursday, June 29th, 2023, from 5pm to 8 pm at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street Tomball Texas, 77375.  Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 30th, at 10 am at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street, with Dc. Joe Wright presiding.  Interment to follow in Center Hill Cemetery in Oakhurst Texas.

> Memorial contributions can be made to

> Make-A-Wish

> Texas Gulf Coast & Louisiana Region

> Camp for All

> Burton, TX 77835

To Those I Love

By: Isla Pachal Richardson

If I should ever leave you whom I love To go along the Silent Way,

Grieve not, Nor speak of me with tears, But laugh and talk Of me as if

I were beside you there.

(I'd come-I'd come, could I but find a way!

But would not tears and grief be barriers?) And when you hear a song

or See a bird I loved, Please do not let the thought of me be sad...

For I am loving you just as I always have...

You were so good to me!

There are so many things I wanted still To do—so many things to say to

you...

Remember that I did not fear—

It was just leaving you that was so hard to face...

We cannot see Beyond...

But this I know:

I loved you so -

Twas heaven here with you!