Bill Owens

Bill Owens, 84, of rural Humboldt, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at Windsor Place of Iola.

William E. Owens was born Dec. 14, 1935, in Gas City. Bill was the first of four children born to Clyde and Martha (Bulk) Owens. He grew up in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School. Following school, Bill entered the Army in 1955, returning to Humboldt in 1958 after being honorably discharged.

On June 26, 1960, Bill was united in marriage to Charlotte Joan Owens at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. They made their home in Iola before moving to their farm northeast of Humboldt in 1978. Bill first worked as a mechanic at Smith Diesel, then IMP Boats before opening B&D Dune Buggies in Gas. Bill went back to work at IMP after closing the dune buggy business before eventually farming full time in 1979. Bill loved the outdoors.He was especially happy when he was able to spend time fishing and hunting. In his later years his cattle became the focal point of his time. Bill was a member of the Iola Pickers and Singers; he enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. Bill will be remembered for his eye for details and the fact that he never met a stranger.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 55 years, Charlotte, on March 16, 2015; two brothers, Ronnie and Melvin Owen, and a sister, Shirley Johnson.

Bill is survived by four children, Richard Owens and wife, Susan, of Humboldt, David Lee Owens and wife, Joellen, of Neosho Rapids, Teresa Owens of Humboldt and Robert Owens and wife, April, of Gas; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Dee Owens of Chanute, and Frieda Owens of St. Cloud, Minn.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery, Iola. The family will greet friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and left with the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.