Owen Earl Maddox Jr.
December 23, 1947 – September 11, 2025
In Loving memory of Owen
Owen Maddox, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, patriot, and friend to all, passed away on September 11, 2025. He was born on December 23, 1947, in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Owen lived life to the fullest and poured his heart into the people and passions he loved. After graduating from Western Kentucky University, he entered the United States Air Force in 1971, where he served his country with honor for 20 years. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he distinguished himself as both a consummate professional and a leader who cared deeply for the airmen under his command.
Following his military career, Owen joined United Airlines in 1991, where he flew for more than two decades. Known as a pilot’s pilot, he served in many roles—including B-737 Instructor, part of the initial cadre of B-777 instructors, Standards Captain, and Assistant Chief Pilot for the B-777/B-747 fleet. His leadership culminated in his role as Chief Pilot of United’s San Francisco base. Owen retired from United as a Captain on the B-777 in 2009, leaving a legacy of professionalism, mentorship, and friendship that shaped countless aviators.
Retirement didn’t slow Owen down. He dedicated more than 10 years of service to the Buffalo Creek Gun Club, where his vision and energy as President and Board Member transformed the organization and enriched the experience of its members. When he wasn’t at the range, he could be found swapping stories of his latest African hunting adventure—or planning his next one.
More than his titles or accomplishments, Owen will be remembered for his generosity of spirit. He was regarded by friends and colleagues alike as a steady encourager, a loyal companion, and a man who carried both humor and kindness into every room he entered.
Owen is survived by his beloved wife, Amy; his son, Kayo; his daughter, Meredith McLellan; and his treasured granddaughters, Ansley and Lindsey McLellan.
Gallery
Memories Shared
Rob Anderson
February 26, 2026
I was knocking down marked trees near the entrance of the range and Owen was dragging them up the road in his Toyota Tundra. Everything was going well until we got to that extremely large tree that was right by the road. Owen said, "This is the one I really want to get down, everybody hits this thing." So I start chewing away at this monster tree and two things were obvious. My chainsaw was too small and I should have roped up the tree. Owen is a safe distance away, sitting in his truck filming this debacle. I totally misread the tree and chewed all the way around it wondering what was keeping it from falling. It was about that time a slight breeze came along and that giant tree, standing upright rotated ever so slightly. This is bad! That giant tree landed perfectly right down the middle of the road, ninety degrees from where I wanted it to go. Owen's comment was, "I video taped you running out of the way of that tree." Both of us being raised in the south I said, "Excuse me Mr. Maddox, I did not run out of the way of that tree. I cautiously, yet politely stepped to one side while I evaluated my miscalculation. Thank you very much." We had a very good laugh that day. I chewed up that monster tree and he dragged every piece up the road to my amazement with that old Tundra. Just the two of us. Good times. He will be missed.
David Freeburn
October 20, 2025
I met Owen at a hunting convention back in 2018. He told me about his dream of coming to Africa and seeing it for himself. We finally planned a trip for 2020 but Covid got in the way and he had to wait one more year…. After his first safari he vowed to come every year as long as his health would allow him too. Over the last 5 years we got to share quite a few adventures tracking buffalo and sitting around the camp fire together. We shared stories of each other’s careers and spoke about hunting in different countries. He was a true Gentleman and I considered him my friend. I am so glad my family got to meet him in May on our last safari together. Owen you will always be in my thoughts while tracking buffalo. May you rest in peace and enjoy the old hunting grounds of your dreams.
Jolanda Witvliet
October 20, 2025
I met Owen while acting as Council 93 Training Center Chairman. We talked about living in Owensboro as I was based there in the 80's. We laughed a lot and stayed friends over the years. My heart breaks for Amy and the family. Owen was admired by many through his easy-going way and friendly smile. Tailwinds flying West.
John Heard
September 28, 2025
Owen was one of my favorite people. Both to work for and be around. I had the pleasure to work for him as an 777 instructor and as a captain in SFO when he was Chief Pilot. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Owen. The most fun I ever had at UAL, was doing touch and go in a 777 for a photo shoot at Victorville. We did probably 20 in a closed pattern. Owen set it all up and picked those of us that had formation flying experience. 2 other 777 instructors got to do the formation work and Owen and I got to do the landings.Like everything he did it was a seamless operation. My heart goes out to Amy and the rest of his family.
Mike Weidler
October 15, 2025
I first met Owen at Laughlin AFB. We were brand new T-38 Instructor Pilots both assigned to K Flight. We flew together on several cross country flights to go skiing (when I apparently scared him as he never failed to remind me), pheasant hunting (he was adeadly shot), or to visit our ranch outside Gunnison, CO. I especially remember a two week TDY to McConnell AFB. Owen decided that we “deserved” a ride in a Kansas ANG F-105 Thunderchief. Owen’s persistence paid off and we both received rides. Owen was a wonderful pilot and friend. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
Skip Johnson
October 19, 2025
I became a fighter pilot because…. I first met Owen at Willy AFB. I was a seasoned T-38 FAIP, First Assignment Instructor Pilot and Owen showed up as our squadron Ops O which he would eventually assume command of. He was tall and straight standing behind the Ops desk as we shook hands for the first time as I checked out my jet with my student. I could tell right away by his easy going and confident demeaner that he would be a breath of fresh air, he was! We had had a bad run of poor leadership in the head shed and it had filtered into the squadrons leaving a lot of poor morale. He turned that around. My best story of Owen was when he took me on a T-3 sortie (2 IP’s out for some proficiency flying). It was a 2 ship and we usually fought over who would fly in back to get some back seat flying and landings. To my surprise he wanted the front seat and I was thrilled to be in back. I can’t remember who was in the other Jet but it was another Fight Pilot retread (as we FAIPs affectionally called those that retuned from the fleet to teach). What I didn’t know is that they had briefed a different kind of ride and what ensued was my first taste of Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM). It was awesome … though not very legal in the white jets…I knew from that point on I wanted to do that. Owen was a great mentor and leader. And I’m glad that he and Amy got to spend a life of love and happiness! His legacy will live on!