Alfred Lee (Bill)Owings, 82 year old resident of the Briar Community, died Friday, February 13, 2009 at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, MO. Mr. Owings was born January 9, 1927 in Olney, CA. He was retired from the US Navy having served from 1945-1967, participating in WWII, the Korean War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Mr. Owings was also the owner/operator of Mary's Café in Briar since 1983.

On February 2, 1952 he was married to Mary Ellen Kellems, who preceded him in death on December 8, 1999.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Lee Owings of Briar, MO; Mary Ann Enmark of Covina, CA; three sisters, Jolene, Linda, and Teresa; two brothers, Bob and Marion; and two grandchildren, Heather and Erin.

Also preceding Mr. Owings in death was his parents Ted and Ola Owings, two brothers, Joe and Freddie; and two sisters, Mary Lou and Rose Marie.

Funeral services for Mr. Owings will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Oak Ridge Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Owings will be from 5-8 P.M. Tuesday, February 17.