Archie L. Owen

Archie L. Owen

Archie L. Owen, 87, of Billings, Mo., passed peacefully from this life into the arms of His Lord on November 12, 2015 in Springfield, Mo. He was born on March 5, 1928 to Edward and Laina Owen at Dormis, Mo. in Ozark County. At the age of 16, he moved to St. Louis where he eventually met Meta Whanger, and they were married on May 16, 1947.

Archie later entered the carpentry trade and remained there until his retirement, having become a very accomplished and sought after finish carpenter and foreman. His workmanship was always to the highest standard and he was very particular in whatever he did and the quality he produced. Upon his retirement, he returned to Southwest Missouri, where he raised cattle and hay on his 80-acre farm, and continued to do so only months before his passing. He loved the farm and would often say he worked harder after his retirement than before, though the people who knew him realized he always worked to the best of his ability and strength.

Archie enjoyed people and loved to visit and share stories, and was well liked within the community. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, for the love and kindness he showed, the knowledge he shared, the experiences and stories he'd relate, and the fine example he demonstrated in so many ways.

Archie leaves behind a loving and supportive family of brothers and sisters, along with his own children, who include Kerry and Kathy Owen of Farmington, Linda and Virgil Malmberg of Chesterfield, and Jackie and Jeff Cunningham of Billings; along with Archie's two grandsons, Brian and Alexandra Cunningham of Springfield, and Ben Cunningham of Billings. He was preceded in death by his wife Meta, his daughter Becky, his brother James, his parents, and his dear friend, Glenn Frazier.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Nov 20th from 5 to 7 p.m. in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A funeral service will be Saturday, Nov 21st at 10 a.m., with Archie's brother, Larry Owen, officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Ball Cemetery, Dora, Mo.