Dwayne “Duke” or “Hot Rod” David Owens, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away early Friday morning, November 8, 2019 while at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Dwayne was born June 15, 1947 to Glen M. and Maude (Stark) Owens in West Plains and was 72 years old.
Duke married the love of his life, Karen Wheeler, on October 10, 1968, and to this union two sons were born: Kurt David Owens and Glen Allen Owens. Duke was saved and loved the Lord. He attended Blue Buck Church as well as First Baptist Church in Willow Springs. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1965 and served as a Boiler Tender on board the USS James C. Owens and the USS Tidewater. While serving his country, his travels took him off the coast of Vietnam and nearly completed a tour around the world. When he returned home, he worked at Rawlings Sporting Goods and later for the Frisco Burlington Northern Railroad. When he wasn’t working, some of his time was spent making small replica cabins. He was also taught how to weave baskets by his brother-in-law, Bob. He also worked with his wife, “Tiger”, on many projects which included antiques and landscaping. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.
Duke is preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Maude Owens; his sisters: Glenda Dickenson and Mary Joens; and his brother, James Owens.
Duke was a wonderful husband and father and leaves behind his wife, Karen, of 51 years; sons, Kurt (Pepper) Owens and his wife, Angie of Willow Springs; Glen (Pete) Owens and his wife, Shawn of West Plains; grandchildren: Tyler, Kimmi, Brandon, Elizabeth, Andrew, Piper, and Janda. Further survivors include his brother, Larry (Shine) Owens and his wife, Vicky of Rogersville, MO; a brother-in-law, Bob Joens of Houston, MO; a sister-in-law, Rose Owens of Carson City, NV; and his brother, Bill Owens of West Plains; and numerous nieces, nephews, as well as many great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Duke’s memory be made to the Ozarks Medical Center Foundation for the Cancer Treatment Center Emergency Fund or to the Willow Springs YMCA for Strong Y Programs.
A family night/visitation for Dwayne “Duke” Owens will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Baptist Church in Willow Springs with Pastor Joel Hinds officiating. Interment will follow at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery in Pomona with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
