Kenneth Paul Owens, 86, Bolivar, Missouri, passed away peacefully May 4, 2025.  Born March 12, 1939, in Buffalo, Missouri, to Paul and Opal Owens.

He graduated Buffalo High School 1957 and married Theresa Stefka, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised 4 children before divorcing in 1977.

Kenneth and family resided in the Kansas City area, Kansas side, where he was employed by General Motors Fairfax Assembly plant. Kenny also worked part time as an auto mechanic and performed repairs on family vehicles. While working at GM he met his second wife, Thelma Cross, marrying in 1978.

Ken participated in sports: billiards, boating, bowling, fishing, golf, and parasailing.  He was a spectator of all sports, but an enthusiast for motor sports. After 32 years of dedicated service, he retired from GM in 1993.  Ken and Thelma settled in Missouri Ozarks (Urbana, Buffalo, and Bolivar), traveling to McAllen, Texas becoming "winter Texans" for 20 years.  He enjoyed helping others with auto repair needs or physical activities out of kindness (stranger or friend), and socializing with friends and family.  He was rightfully proud of his lawn, restoring then maintaining the yard for every house he owned (on occasion doing his neighbors too).

Kenneth is preceded in death by wife, Thelma Owens; parents, Paul and Opal Owens; and brother, Jerry Owens.

He is survived by sisters: Patsy Strickland and Pamela Park (Duane); children: Jeanie Rock (Michael), Debra Owens (Thomas Chapel), Gary Owens, Rebecca Whitehead (Ronald); stepchildren: Michael, Rhonda, Kenneth Cross; multiple generations of grandchildren; and dog, Sassy.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, Springfield, MO.