Gessie L. Owens, age 78, of Springfield, MO passed away August 30, 2014 in Springfield after a short illness. She was born May 19, 1936 in Cabool, MO to Roy and Opal Faye Ellis. She was a long standing member of Grant Avenue Freewill Baptist Church and a well- known dog instructor and handler in the Springfield area for over 30 years. Gessie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Giles E. Owens; brothers, Virgil and Norman Ellis; and sister, Rutheen Snellgroves. She is survived sons, Michael Owens, Mark Owens and wife, Stacey and Bradley Shawn Owens and partner, Charles Alexander; grandsons; John Mark and Cameron Owens; granddaughter, Kristina Owens; step-daughters, Judi Finnell and Barbara Carlson and husband Jim and their children; brothers, Estel Gene Ellis and wife Polly and Roy Lee Ellis; sisters, Delores Alexander, Benereen Sparks and Bonnie Sue Turman; many nieces and nephews and numerous friends. Funeral services will be Friday, September 5, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will follow in Springfield National Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home.