Owen "Bully" Hewett died last week. Most of you are probably scratching your heads wondering who he was. It you ran track at the University of Oklahoma anytime from 1956 onward, you know of whom I am speaking. Bully as he was best known was an equipment manager to begin back then. Somehow the coaches Bill Carroll and John Jacobs took him under their wing and named him their equipment manager. But in reality it was Bully who took us under his wings. As the obituary notes, Bully was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age. It affected him physically and verbally, but he was a guy who was always able to get his point across. He taught us the meaning of courage and not giving up. And in the long term the program benefited over and over and over from Bully's generosity in time, talent and funding for various track and field projects as well as women's volleyball and gymnastics. The varsity locker room is named after him and he has funded an athletic scholarship. He served many years as president of the Spike Club. We will all miss you, Bully. George Brose
OBITUARY
Owen Merritt Hewett
20 MARCH, 1938 – 16 OCTOBER, 2022
IN THE CARE OF
Primrose Funeral Service & Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery
OOwen Merritt Hewett, 84, of Norman Oklahoma passed away Sunday October 16, 2022. Owen was born to Elva Anne Trueblood and Charles Merritt Hewett on March 20, 1938 in Baltimore Maryland.
Owen attended elementary through high school in Catonsville Maryland. After finishing high school, Owen achieved a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1960, then achieved a Masters in Mathematics from North Carolina University in 1961. Owen was an equipment manager for multiple sports in high school, and an equipment manager for the OU track team while attending OU. Owen went on to work as a finance consultant in the banking industry.
Owen was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 23 months old but never let his diagnosis stop him from succeeding. He succeeded in academics, business and in being a good friend to so many that were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. He had a great sense of humor and had no shortage of jokes.
In 1990 the Owen Hewett award was established. It is awarded to a track and field athlete that demonstrates outstanding achievements both in the classroom and out on the track. Also in 1990, the locker room at OU’s John Jacob’s track facility was named for Mr. Hewett.
Owen was a truly devoted OU fan! He loved football and was a season ticket holder even at the time of his death. He was also the CFO of the “Spike Club” an organization that raised funds for the OU track team. Owen also supported the women’s volleyball and gymnastics teams.
Owen is preceded in death by; parents, mother Elva Anne Trueblood and father Charles Merritt Hewett, multiple close friends and teammates, and his loving canine companion Freckles.
Owen is survived by his faithful dog Winthrop.
Although Owen died with no family, he will be deeply missed by many close friends and an amazing team of caregivers.
A memorial service will be held for Owen on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 11:00AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Norman.
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Thanks very much for this. I knew Owen very well having been on the team from 1955 to 1958.
He was an inspiration to us all.
Jim Denton
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