Herbert "Buddy" Owens, Jr.

Rev. Herbert "Buddy" Owens Jr., age 63, of California Mo., went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Capital Region Medical Center. Buddy was born May 9, 1956, in Kansas City, Mo. to Herbert Owens Sr. and Vivian (Powers) Owens. He graduated from Truman High School in Independence, Mo. in 1974. He earned his bachelor's degree from William Jewel College in 1978, and obtained his Masters in Divinity in pastoral care in 1991 from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Buddy married Sherry Grush on December 1, 1979, at the First Baptist Church, Licking, Mo. Buddy and Sherry were involved in the ministry for over 30 years. Buddy was very involved in mission work, which included the 1993 Flood Relief in Elsberry, Mo. In 2002, he served with the Salt Lake City Olympics Ministry through First Baptist Church California, Mo. Buddy concluded his ministry career doing interim pastor work in the Sedalia area. Buddy was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, in which he obtained his Eagle Scout and God and Country Award in 1972. He studied abroad at Harlaxton in England while in college. He was the first President of the Licking, Mo. Lion's Club. He was an avid Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan, in which he enjoyed watching and attending games with family. He was a great storyteller and never knew a stranger. He loved attending events of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Sherry; daughters, Holly (Michael) Kliethermes, Patty (Scott) Leigers; and his six grandchildren: Alex, Carson, Elijah, Sophie, and newborn twins, Cara and Zoey (whom he shared his birthday with). He was preceded in death by Herbert Owens Sr. (father), Vivian Owens (mother), Gerald Owens (brother), and Cheryle Sitze (sister). Visitation will be held Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Windmill Ridge Funeral Service with Celebration of Life following, with Rev. Jeremy Anderson officiating. Memorials are suggested to Sherry Owens, c/o Windmill Ridge Funeral Service, P.O. Box 443, California, MO 65018. Online messages to the family may be contributed at www.windmillridgefuneralservice.com.