Gary Owen Plaster Jr.

Gary Owen Plaster Jr. passed away in his home in Springfield, MO, on January 1, 2025, at the age of 52, from a short illness. Gary, affectionately called "Bub" by his closest friends and family, was the first, spoiled rotten Grandson of Owen and Lorene Plaster. Although Gary was born and raised in Springfield, he spent much of his childhood on the Plaster farm in Hartville. Growing up he spent summers and weekends working alongside his Grandparents, driving tractors, hauling hay, chopping wood, growing food, feeding/tending to hogs, cattle, horses, goats, ducks and many dogs. It wasn't all hard work on the farm though, Gary got to enjoy fishing, riding horses, Go Karts, Dirt Bikes, shooting old guns and many large family fish fries during his time spent at the Plaster farm.
Gary's hard-working habits learned on the farm didn't stop there. At a young age he had the opportunity to buy, raise and sell cattle, giving him the initial spark in seeking financial wisdom and entrepreneurship. Gary attended Central High School and then sought out some additional trade school training. Gary was employed by many auto body shops across Springfield and was known for his attention to detail and articulate body work. After furthering his education and experience as a welder-fabricator and auto body mechanic he was able to open his own shop; Plaster's Garage. He was very proud to have his own shop, just as he was proud of the work that he did. He restored classic cars from the inside out and even got to give one a chameleon paint job, which is the first time most people had seen a paint job like that!
Gary also had an interest and special talent in stocks, bonds, investing and land ownership. He always put in the hard work necessary to get the job done, no matter what that job might be. If he saw an opportunity to turn $1 into $5 he would take that chance and most of the time be very successful at it. Even if that happened to be at a casino which he really enjoyed in his later days.
Throughout his childhood and adult life Gary had a love for travel. Traveling across America with his parents and Grandparents, Gary visited National Parks, Amusement Parks, many beaches and mountains with Lake Tahoe being one of his favorite adventures. Gary continued his love of travel with his own family with several trips to beaches in Texas and Mississippi. There were also trips to take in the different cultures, food and history of Memphis and New Orleans. Up until his very last days Gary traveled to Nascar races, car shows and made many trips to casinos!!!
Gary is predeceased by his loving parents, Gary Plaster and Donna Plaster. He will be dearly missed by his siblings, Ralinda Yocom and Angel Tanksley. He was a cherished father to his children, Monica Applewhite, Shelby Plaster, Sadie Dalton and Jonathan Plaster. Gary's legacy will live on through his grandchildren, Mason, Carter, Carson, and Rylan.
Gary Owen Plaster Jr. will be deeply missed, but his memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those he touched. His life of hard work, financial wisdom, spirit of entrepreneurship and love of travel will be carried on throughout his children and grandchildren. By following his example to work hard, but also play hard, we continue his legacy and spirit!!
Please join us in celebrating Gary's legacy!
Family Directed Celebration of Life:
Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 12pm
Wellspring Baptist Fellowship
2110 S. Spring Place
Bolivar, Mo 65631