David Owsley, 74, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2018. He was born and raised in Neosho, Missouri, with what he often said was an “idyllic” childhood playing in the open woods and creeks surrounding Neosho. His father, Frank , and mother, Nina, operated a well known pharmacy and luncheon business on the square in Neosho, and this was one of what he said were “a million” jobs he had while growing up in and around Neosho.

David graduated from Neosho High School in 1961, and received a magna cum laude degree in Physics from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1965. He attended graduate school at Iowa State University and University of Missouri, Rolla, and received a Masters in Electrical Engineering from the latter in 1970. In 1968 he married his best friend and love of his life, Patricia Lee. David worked as a research engineer for McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis, and for Control Data Corporation in Oklahoma City. He was Head of Engineering and then General Manager for BTI Systems in Oklahoma City and was with the company for 20 years. He was later Head of Engineering for IFR Systems in Wichita, Kansas, from which he and Patricia retired to Springfield, Missouri in 1997.

David loved to work through his church, First Christian Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he was active in youth work and was Head of the church board. Upon retiring to Springfield, he was very active in Wesley Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and Bible classes for over 20 years. He held many offices in the church, including President of the Church Board and Church Lay Leader, and was the leader for Wesley city-wide “Blitzes,” providing wheel chair ramps, food, and other services for those in need. One of his favorite areas to work was for Crosslines Food Bank where he served for over 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughter, Robin of Seattle, Washington; his brother, Seth and his wife, Gaylon of Oklahoma City and many friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday March 14, 2018 in Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Bailey-Kirk officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.

Memorial contributions in David's memory may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church 922 W. Republic Road Springfield, MO 65807.