Gareth "Gary" Owen, Jr., a Shreveport resident of 22 years, passed away on February 3, 2022 at Ochsner LSU Health.

Gary was born in Oakland, California – though he'd deny it if asked. Having been a resident of DeQueen, Arkansas for 20 years before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana in 2000, he would proudly tell you he's a Southerner.

An entrepreneurial spirit, Gary was known as Big Red when he owned GO Trucking, and The Big Red Baker when he launched Mouthful of Joy, offering up baked goods and confections at local farmers markets and makers' fairs. He loved and was loved by his customers, some of which became like family. Baking was his passion, but he loved all food – cooking it, eating it, learning about it, sharing it with others. He also loved zoos, fireworks, mini-golf, '80s hair metal, target shooting, catching a minor league baseball game, Mardi Gras parades, and road tripping with his best gal. An avid reader, Gary loved learning new things and was constantly thinking of new hobbies he'd like to try. He was a witty storyteller and his rants are the stuff of legends. He will be remembered as a genuinely great guy who was full of life and loved a good time.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gary Owen, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Glenda Sue Owen; his son, Gunnar Smith; his brother and sister-in-law Matthew & Michelle Owen; and his nephew Scott Hanley. He was proud to be "Grandfather" to one granddaughter, Olivia Smith. Left to cherish his memory is his greatest love and as he put it, "the best thing in his life – and not by a little", is his wife of 24 years, JerriLee Smith Owen.

In keeping with Gary's wishes, there will be no funeral or formal service. Instead, he would have told his friends to "crank up the tunes and make a toast", so the family is planning a celebration at a later date.