Obituary: Donald Owens 1931-2008

Donald Le Roy Owens, 77, went to his mansion of rest and peace with our Lord on Friday, April 11, 2008 at his residence in Columbia, Missouri. He was born the eldest son and child of Lester Dale and Doris Wilson Owens near Clearmont, Missouri, and raised on farms in the rural Hopkins community. Don graduated from the Hopkins High School in 1947. He was born into the body of Christ in the waters of baptism on October 29, 1944 at the Unity Church of Christ.
Don did many chores from an early age, beginning field work at the age of fourteen. He became responsible for much of the upkeep of the machinery, fences, buildings as well as the livestock welfare as he matured. He enjoyed singing as he worked and reading a world-wide variety of subjects for his leisure.
Don married June Ellen Davidson on August 26, 1951, just before being drafted into the United States Army. He served as acting supply sergeant for the 81st Reconnaissance Battalion of the First Armored Division during the Korean War. June went with him to Kansas and Texas during his service years. Their sons, David and Deric, were born at the Fort Hood Army Hospital.
After the army experience, Don farmed with his dad for three years before moving his family to Columbia, Missouri to attend the University of Missouri. There Don and June bought and operated the Lee Street Shop. Their daughter Julea was born there. Don graduated from the UMC School of Veterinary Medicine in 1964.
Dr. Owens enjoyed his veterinary practice for thirty years. Most of his career was spent in the Parnell, Missouri, area were he was a member of the Lions Club, the American Legion, the Town Park Board, and served as an Independence Township Trustee. He enjoyed family activities, teaching his children life skills; participating in church and the CB Radio Club meetings; square dancing, hunting, and vacation tours of the United States.
Don and June retired to Columbia to be near their children and old friends. There he enjoyed being with his grandchildren; gardening and other backyard activities; and local cultural events. He loved his family, his neighbors, the family of God, and new friends at the senior meal site—telling stories, singing, teasing and sometimes sharing hugs.
Survivors include his wife, June; two sons: David and Deric and daughter Julea Owens Gerhard and her husband Art Gerhard; granddaughters: Bretta Gerhard, Niall and Tatum Owens; grandsons: Drew Owens and Jacob Gerhard; all of Columbia; two sisters: Shirley Stevenson of Burlington, IA and Betty Dowden and husband Weldon of Bartlesville, OK; two brothers: Wayne Owens and wife Ruth, and Terry Owens and wife Melodee, all of Hopkins; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special family friends, Linda Ighoyivwi and Gary Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry Dale Owens; and a brother-in-law, Robert Stevenson.
Funeral Services were held Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the Ravenwood Christian Church. Final Resting Place was in the Hopkins Cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Danfelt Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.