Lawrence G. "Bill" Owens, 79, of Lebanon, died Wednesday, March 23, 2016. He was born in Dyersburg, TN, a son of Alfonso and Minnie (Hammett) Owens. Bill and his number one love in life, Janell Sheets, were married and celebrated 54 years together.
Bill was a Lebanon business owner/operator for many years. His kindness and concerns for others won him honors as a man who volunteered his time and talents to repair and donate appliances to others in need. Bill was also meticulous about his yard and insisted on doing it all himself. He was proud of his yard work and was not afraid to seek the acknowledgement and approval of others. In his free time he enjoyed NASCAR racing, relaxing on his deck while admiring his yard and drinking tea. He also loved reading the books by his favorite authors, Louis Lamour and John Grisham.
Bill was a family man who was continually looking for more time or ways to spend with his family. He could come up with numerous reasons to get together and celebrate life with those he loved. He often said his family and those times together made him a millionaire in life. Bill set an amazing example of how a husband, father, grandfather and friend should be. Even while faced with health challenges he always had a charming smile, a positive attitude and a keen sense of humor. His mild-mannered personality brightened every room he entered. Bill and Janell were members of Union Mission Church for over 40 years, and they attended Community Baptist Church during the last year, as Bill's health allowed.
Bill will be missed but not forgotten by many, especially his best pal and buddy, Heidi, his 17 year old Dachshund.
In addition to his wife, Janell, Bill is survived by 7 children; Peggy Spicer, Newbern, TN, Sheila Gunn, Howell, MI, Terri Sherrer (Dwight), Lebanon, Tammie McGhghy, Lebanon, Teresa McGeehan (Chip), Marshfield, Jeff Owens (Debbie), Holts Summit and Jason Owens, Lebanon; 8 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; his brother, Lloyd Owens, Plymouth, MI; his sister, Lottie Cunningham, Plymouth, MI; his brother-in-law, Gary Sheets (Betty) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Clifford and Faye Sheets; 6 brothers and 2 sisters.
Funeral services will begin at 3:00PM, Monday, March 28, 2016 at the Community Baptist Church, 15905 MO-64, Lebanon, MO, with Pastors Gary Sheets and Allen Reeves officiating. Private committal services will be determined at a later date.
Bill's family will receive friends from 2:00PM until service time on Monday at Community Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers Bill's family suggests memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield.