Gary Lee Chowning, 82, of Forsyth, Missouri.

A celebration of life service for Gary Lee Chowning, 82, of Forsyth, Missouri, will be on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, at the ASI business location, 174 State Hwy H, Forsyth, Mo. at 10 AM. Gary passed away on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Forsyth. Cremation was under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel, Forsyth.

Gary Lee Chowning was born July 12, 1942, in Birch Tree, Mo. He was the son of Carl and Hazel Chowning. He grew up in Mt. View, Mo., where he graduated from Mt. View High School.  After high school, Gary worked at Heer’s Department Store in Springfield, Mo. He married Sue Campbell, also from Mt. View. They moved to Fulton, Mo. and later to Columbia, Mo., and were blessed with a son, Douglas. Gary managed shoe stores in both Fulton and Columbia, but he returned to his dream of farming and bought a farm in Seymour, Mo. Subsequently, he and Sue divorced and sold the farm in Seymour.

Gary married Joan Puchta and moved to Forsyth, Mo., where he became active in real estate for many years. They were blessed with a son, Matthew. Gary began managing a new branch of ASI, a manufacturing company based in north Missouri, and he eventually became head of the company. From humble beginnings, Gary grew ASI to become a vibrant company with sixty employees and customers across the country.

Gary was deeply dedicated to ASI and took immense pride in the company’s growth and its positive impact on the community and the lives of many families. His dedication to his work and the joy he derived from his achievements were evident to all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his loving family: two sons, Doug Chowning and his wife Rosa, along with their son Douglas; and Matthew Chowning and his wife Ayesha, along with their daughter Lyla; his brother Joe Chowning; and his twin sister Gay Chowning. His family remembers him as a pillar of strength and love. Gary’s life and legacy will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.