Gary Wayne Owens

He was born on September 25, 1949, in Sikeston, MO to Roy L Owens and the late Nell L Owens.

On May 20, 1972, in Homestead, FL he married Katherine Louise Widaman, his loving wife with whom he spent the last 51 years.

Gary was a member of the Vanduser Church of Christ. He served his country for 6 years in the Missouri National Guard. Gary was a past councilman for the Village of Vanduser. Gary proved to be one of the most talented athletes to ever come out of Southeast Missouri. He honed his baseball talents early on the local diamonds participating on Connie Mack and American Legion teams that enjoyed much success in local, state and Midwest regional play. High School saw him become the first ever, First Team All-State athlete from Scott County Central graduating in 1967. He was a three year starter in basketball and baseball leading the teams in points, rebounds, hitting and pitching. He was a member of the school’s 1966 2nd place State track team. Gary was the first Scott County Central athlete to have his jersey retired. College scholarships soon followed with Gary having great success in his four year college career for both Florida College in Tampa, FL and College (School) of the Ozarks in Hollister, MO. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in Secondary Physical Education. He earned All American honors in baseball for College of the Ozarks in both 1970-71. In 1970, Gary was awarded the Adirondack National Batting Champion award for Division ll colleges with a season batting average of (.500). He was presented the trophy award by Hall of Fame player/manager, Joe Torre. In 1971, Gary was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 28th round. In 1972 he played on both A and AA teams in Fort Lauderdale FL and Oneonta NY with much success before experiencing injuries that would ultimately shorten his minor league playing career. Later in the 1970’s thru the 1990’s, Gary enjoyed much success again on the diamond of men’s 40 & over fast pitch softball both playing and pitching for Kelso, Oran, Sikeston and Vanduser. He was a member of the Superior Business Products National Championship Team from Sikeston, MO in 1991. He was elected into the Southeast Missouri Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. All through his life though, Gary’s true passion was spending time both in the woods and on the water, hunting and fishing with great success as his wall mounts can attest. He knew Duck Creek, Mingo and Wappapello Lake like the back of his hand. Through the years, Gary was employed in various sales and management positions. Returning from the minors, career moves began with J.C. Penney, Sikes Sporting Goods, Superior Office Products and lastly retiring as an Instrumentation Technician from the Sikeston Power Plant in 2012 after 29 years of service.

Survivors in addition to his father include, his wife Kathy, one daughter, Kelly Jo Wade (Aaron), one sister, Sherrie Lynn Wade (Mark), one granddaughter, Katherine Anne Fraire (Diego) and one grandson Britton Rice Lesley Wade. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces and many close friends.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Sikeston Convalescent Center and especially Gary’s CNA, La Jaynees (NeeNee) Cole.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, MO. Gary’s uncle, Otis Hardin, will officiate and Stan Harmon and Mark Wade will assist.

Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Garden-Pines Cemetery in Morley, MO with Ken Harbin, officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Tim Wade, Mark A. Wade, Lee LaValle, Wade LaValle, Britton Wade and Diego Fraire.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Charlie Dye, Glen Pinkerton, Isaiah Ueland, Marvin Graham, Tim Owens, Donnie Waters and Katherine Fraire.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gary’s memory to the following organizations: American Parkinson’s Disease Association - apdaparkinson.org or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research - michaeljfox.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Owens family.