Columbus, OH — Earl Davis Owings, 72, of Chillicothe, Ohio, died Oct. 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Owings was born in McArthur, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 1953, to the late George and Joan (née Castor). On July 30, 1975, he and his wife of 50 years, Cindy (née DuBois), were married.
Known to many as “Buck” or “Buckskin,” Mr. Owings was a dedicated horseman and a respected mentor and friend to many in the harness racing community. Through his career, he harnessed the winners of 899 races and over $3.6 million in purses, and he also recorded 494 driving wins.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Owings is survived by his children, Christopher (Trina), and Bonnie (Jamie) Barker; grandchildren, Alyssa (J.J.) McKenzie, Avery Barker and Cole Barker; great-grandchildren, Oliver and Violet McKenzie; sisters, Ruthann Thacker, Bonnie Helman, Georgeann Clark and Maggie Sowers; brother, Rick; brother-in-law, Doug (Clarice) DuBois; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Bill and Butch; sisters-in-law, Esther, Kandy and Kathy; brothers-in-law, Dick Helman; Dave Sowers and Alvin Thacker; and nephews; Ricky and Bryan.
Visitation will take place at Ware Funeral Home, 121 West Second Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601, on Tuesday (Oct. 21) from 5-7 p.m. A celebration of life will take place Wednesday (Oct. 22) at 11 a.m. at Ware Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Little Mound Cemetery.