GARY MERRILL OWENS
West City-Gary Merrill Owens 59, of West City passed away at 4:15 A.M. on Tuesday, September 02, 2014 at the Community Living Center in the V.A. Medical Center in Marion.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 5, 2014, at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City with graveside military rites conducted by the Herrin V.F.W. and American Legion and Freeman Spur American Legion. Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.

Gary was born on June 15, 1955 in Chicago the son of Merrill and Virginia (Litton) Owens.

He is survived by sisters, Karen (Mike) Redfearn of Denver, CO, Pam (Bill) Moore of Johnston City, Linda (Brett) Montgomery of Johnston City, and Lori Valdez of Marion; brothers, Mike (Vicki) Owens of Johnston City and Scott Karcher of Herrin; sister-in-law, Kathy Tolbert of Johnston City; and many nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Shadow.

Gary graduated from J.C.H.S. class of 1973. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from 1973-1979. Gary made a career in law enforcement most recently working for Clark Security at General Dynamics.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; dad, Harry Karcher; brother, Keith Karcher; maternal grandparents, Leo and Berneice Litton; and fraternal grandparents, Edward and Fannie Owens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Community Living Center at the V.A. Medical Center in Marion.

The family would like to give a special thanks to V.A. Medical Center staff.