of Little Rock, AR
June 25, 1979 - March 7, 2025
Beloved son, brother, father, and friend, Matthew McIver Owen passed peacefully from this life on March 7th, 2025, in Little Rock.
Born in Houston on June 25th, 1979, Matt grew up primarily in Batesville, Arkansas, and Kingwood, Texas. He graduated high school from First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, Georgia, in 1998 and received a degree in Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design from Harding University in 2003. He began his career in Little Rock as a graphic designer with Stone Ward, later working as Senior Art Director for CJRW and, finally, as Creative Director at Acxiom in Conway. Outside of work, Matt channeled his love for design and story into a series of minimalist movie posters and book covers, one of which was selected to be the permanent cover for Fahrenheit 451.
Matt had a true gift for making friends- it seemed that he knew someone everywhere he went. He was adaptable, optimistic, lighthearted, and extremely kind and compassionate. He was a jazz enthusiast and could quote movie lines endlessly. Matt loved cooking and eating excellent meals, taking road trips with family and friends, meeting up with his Fortnight buddies, and sharing his enthusiasm for life with his beloved daughter, Jane. Through adversity, he held on to his faith in Christ and loved others well.
Matt is survived by his daughter, Jane, of Conway, Arkansas; parents, Stan and Linda Owen of Kingwood, Texas; brother, Jason (Sara) Owen of Evergreen, Colorado; sister, Melissa (Justin) Harle of Newberg, Oregon, as well as six adoring nieces and nephews.
Celebrations of Matt's life are planned at 2nd Baptist Church in Little Rock at 6pm on March 27th and at Kingwood Church of Christ in Kingwood, Texas, at 3pm on March 29th.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you assist someone who is down on their luck, as Matt did many times.
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8 Condolence(s)
Anil Raj
Sunday, March 30, 2025
I had the privilege of attending Kingwood Church of Christ, where I first met Matt, and later, Harding University, where we became neighbors in the dorms. Matt played a big role in my decision to attend Harding, and I will always be grateful for the close Christian friendships we shared.
One thing about Matt—you quickly learned he loved movies and pizza, especially from Pizza Pro in Searcy, which delivered to college students. Every weekend, he would invite everyone over to his dorm to watch a movie I’ve never heard of like Super Troopers, and without fail, he’d either steal a slice of your pizza or share his last one of his own. Those moments were full of laughter, deep conversations, and great memories that I will always cherish.
Matt will be deeply missed, but heaven has gained a new angel. My heartfelt condolences go out to his parents, family, and beloved daughter.
You’ll be missed, Matt.
With sympathy,
Anil Raj
Rae Ann Bayless
Friday, March 28, 2025
I had the privilege to work with Matt at Stone Ward many moons ago. He was a very talented man, a loving and proud father, a stellar friend to many people and he had that smile that never quit. I am lucky to have known him. Matt, you will be missed by many but never ever forgotten.
Lee Ann Fuselier
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Stan's friends and coworkers at Alliance Engineers and Project Consultants send our love and heartfelt condolences to the entire Owen family. We will be thinking of and praying for everyone who knew and loved Matt.
Lee Ann & Rob Fuselier
Beaumont, Texas
Bethany Finch
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Well.....I HATE that I'm just now finding out your middle name really is "MacGyver"!!!! I thought you were joking! I super duper hope you saw me cracking up. A punchline 24 years in the making....playing the long game. You'll be missed , friend.
Jed Mole
Sunday, March 23, 2025
It was a privilege to know and work with Matt. An honour to call him my friend. One of the most interesting, kind and fun people I ever met. A huge loss to so many, but a huge inspiration to all who knew him, to be like him. The world will be a better place. Sleep well brother x
Jeane Rogers
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Matt You Well Be Miss I Well Watch Ever Then Down Here You Had Faith Like No Other See You Again One Day God Bless You
Frances E Cox
Sunday, March 16, 2025
I am the sister in law of Deb Eberhart, Linda’s best friend. I am beyond grieved for the family of such a magnificent young man. Prayers for all.
Charlotte Tulloch
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Matt, I only had the privilege of knowing you for a very brief period of time; however, you will live in my memory for ever. I know you are living in peace now, my dear friend.