INDIANAPOLIS
Gary Eugene Owensby, 82, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed from this life Monday, May 1, 2017, at the Plainfield Healthcare Center.
He was the son of the late Henry Clay and Genola Emogene (Chasteen) Owensby, born in Indianapolis on May 30, 1934.
Gary enlisted in the U.S. Marines at the age of 17 and served his country with valor during the Korean War from June 1, 1951, through May 31, 1954. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
In January 1962, he married Shirley Mae (Richardson); she survives. Gary and Shirley shared 55 years of marriage and were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Gary gained employment with Rolls Royce in Indianapolis in November 1977, working as a dedicated tool and die inspector until his retirement in 2001.
He was a longtime member of the Suburban Baptist Church, American Legion Post 252 in Greenwood and the UAW union.
Gary enjoyed target shooting and more importantly, he treasured time with his family.
He will be missed deeply by his loving wife, Shirley Owensby of Indianapolis; son, Gary (Kim) Owensby of Jacksonville, Florida, daughters, Valerie (Richard) Berry of Clarksville, Tennesee and Kathy (Richard) Hirby of Ohio; eight grandchildren, Taylor and Brittany Owensby, Leah and Jason Mills, Joel and Seth Cody, Cliff Graham Jr. and Courtney Smrekar; and six great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon on Friday at Suburban Baptist Church, 722 County Line Road, Indianapolis. Rev. Floyd Glover will conduct the service. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with military honors to follow.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Owensby family at nealandsummers.com.
