A longtime resident of Manteca, Gary Richard Owens, age 76, took his last “call” on March 18, 2023. Born on July 13, 1947, in Yreka, California to the late Leslie and Oneta Owens.
Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Owens, his daughters Cindy Owens-Goe of Redmond, Washington, Melysia Owens of Manteca, his two sons, and brother Allen (Sue) Owens of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Oneta Owens, Brother Timothy Owens and nephew, Terry Owens. Blessed with grandbabies, Gary was affectionately referred to as “Poppa” or “Poppa Tow Truck” by Jordyn, Victoria, Hannah, Stacy, Morgan, Magan and Kari, along with nine great grandchildren.
Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He went from Basic Training in Fort Ord to Vietnam. He was 101st Airborne 72nd Division, having earned 5 medals before being Honorably Discharged in 1968. When Gary came home, he worked for Libby Owens Ford, where he met his wife, Linda. In 1973, he started driving for Vern’s Towing. He and his wife Linda eventually bought Vern’s Towing, and the couple operated a successful business for more than thirty years. Gary was well known in his community. He was known to have a smile on his face at every call he responded to. He loved having his early morning coffee at Brawley’s then later at The Country Skillet swapping stories with his friends and fellow business owners. He enjoyed taking trips to his family’s property in Enterprise, Oregon and going to Reno and Las Vegas where you could always find him at the dollar slots. He was kind, friendly and had an easy time making conversation with everyone. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and community.
P.L. Fry & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the Owens family. Please join the family for Gary’s Celebration of Life on April 30, 2023 at Chez Shari, 305 N. Union Road, Manteca, California 95337 at 1:00 p.m. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday , April 25, 2023
