Family, friends and fans pay last respects to singer Buck Owens

Monday, April 3rd 2006, 5:59 am

By: News On 6

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (AP) -- A church service for Buck Owens, the honky-tonk musician who created the "Bakersfield Sound," brought some 2,000 friends, family members and fans to the Central California farming city.

Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins and Oklahoma native Garth Brooks were among those who crowded Valley Baptist Church, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, Sunday.

Owens died at home on March 25th, just hours after his last performance at his Crystal Palace club.

Sunday's service included performances by Yoakam, Adkins, and Brad Paisley.

Owens' three sons remembered their father as a stern but loving figure who gave good advice.

Owens influenced country music with hits like "Act Naturally" and more than 20 number-one records. He also co-hosted the TV show "Hee Haw."