Walter G. Owen

Walter G. Owen, 90, of Mexico, died at 12:50 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, at his home.
Mr. Owen was born in Mexico on Sept. 13, 1917, son of Seaton Allen and Delcie Lena (Dudley) Owen. On June 25, 1950, in Mexico, he married Betty Fry who survives at the home.
Walter s priorities in life were God, Family and Country, in that order.
He was an active member of First Baptist Church, and had taught Sunday School in the children s department.
In addition to his wife survivors include 2 sons and a daughter; Gene Owen and wife Betty, Mexico, Brenda Wilburn and husband Dave, Mexico, and Bobby Owen and wife Shirley, Mexico; one brother Dewey Payton, Columbia; 7 grandchildren, Joey Owen and wife Gayle, Fulton, Scott Wilburn and wife Dawn, Mexico, Jeff Owen and wife Jaime, Kansas City, Kristina Washer and husband John A, Liberty, Amy Owen, Kansas City, Kevin Wilburn and wife Callie, Colorado Springs, Col., and Jeremy Horton, St. Louis; 8 great grandchildren, Jamie, Justin, Jarrett, Austin, Juliette, Olivia, Kendall, and Aubrey.
He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and a grandson Damon Owen.
He was a World War II veteran serving in the 9th Armored Division. His battle involvement included the Battle of the Bulge and crossing the first bridge over the Rhine at Remagen. He remained very patriotic throughout his life.
In addition to God, Family and Country he was a very hard worker. He had a gotta work attitude every day. He retired from Kaiser Refractories in 1981 after over 30 years of service. In his retirement he worked for Mexico Plastics for 14 years and a few at Brookstone. He finally really retired at the age of 85.
Walter was an avid coon hunter, loved square dancing and vegetable gardening, and was a huge Cardinals Baseball fan. He was very faithful to attend his kids and grandkids sporting events.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Smith officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pickering Funeral Home. Burial will be in Eastlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Damon Owen Baseball Memorial or to the Audrain County Relay for Life Cancer Fund. They may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.