Richard E. Owings

July 30, 1942 – September 1, 2023

Richard Everett Owings, of Overland, Missouri passed peacefully in the early morning of September 1, 2023, at the age of 81.

Beloved father of Mary Anderson and Niel Owings, son-in law Tim Anderson. Loving Papa to Marianne Hicks, Eve Hicks and Gabriel Anderson. Friends to former wife Annette Owings and partner Ruth Butler. Brother of Bill Owings. Brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.

Richard was born to Mary and B. Everett Owings in Louisiana, Missouri and moved to Overland with his mom and dad in the early 50's. At that point he attended the Ritenour School District and his parents were teachers in the Ritenour School District. He went on to graduate from Ritenour in 1960 and after getting his degree and teaching certificate from Central Missouri State at Warrensburg, he came back to teach Science at Ritenour Jr. (Ritenour Middle) for 30 years.

Richard's first love was trains. He had a long association with the Museum of Transportation. When he retired from teaching, he went to work for St. Louis County at the Museum. He spent many years over the course of his life, giving tours at the museum, continuing teaching in schools across St. Louis for the railroad safety program, and sharing his vast knowledge about trains with so many people. Richard was also active with the Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Association in Wildwood, Missouri, originally in Overland on Brown Road. Sitting on the board of the WF&P for many years, he helped to shape it into what it is today. He was also a  member of the National Narrow-Gauge Railroad and the National Model Railroad Association. He was a part of a group, they called themselves  the "Boomers" that met almost every Friday night to work on each other's train layouts, talk trains and just life in general. He enjoyed traveling  around the country and world to see trains of all shapes and sizes. Richard also enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was a fan of camping and  getting out on the rivers, riding bikes, and hiking. Richard's children and grandchildren also played a big role in his life, from coaching softball,  being active in boy scouts, orienteering and never missing a grandchild's school and sporting events. He was always present in his family's life. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation Friday, September 8, 2023 at Ortmann Funeral Home, 9222 Lackland Rd., Overland, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with funeral service at 7:00 p.m.

Ortmann Funeral Home   www.osfuneralhomes.com