Billy Joe Bowen, 68, of Willow Springs, Mo. died on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. He was born at home on March 20, 1949 in Texas County, Mo. to Raymond Edward and Alta Marie (Means) Bowen.
Bill was a 1967 graduate of Willow Springs High School. He was united in marriage to Olive Marie Kehnemund on Sept. 4, 1982 in Enid, Okla. In 1985, he returned home to Willow Springs to live near family. He attended CrossWay Fellowship Church in Willow Springs.
Even though he was a talented contractor, woodworker, gardner and beekeeper, Bill believed himself a simple man. What he cherished most were his children and grandsons and the love he had for his wife, Olive. His greatest love was for God and he missed no opportunity to share his passion for our Savior Jesus Christ.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, twin infant siblings, several aunts, uncles and many cousins.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Olive Bowen; sons, Shadwyck Bowen of Dixon, Mo. and Raymond Bowen of Cabool, Mo.; daughters, Tyra Perkins of West Plains, Mo., Jennifer Knapp, Bobbi Gregory, and Marie Bowen all of Willow Springs, Mo.; grandchildren, Kehnemund Gregory, Stephen Gregory and Carter Knapp and one future grandson, Wyatt Bowen; and four sisters, Nealma Masengill, Betty Durnell, Reva McLain and Sharlet Bowersox.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018 at Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs, Mo. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018 with Pastor Dennis Walton officiating, also at Yarber Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Ozarks Christian Academy, P.O. Box 1620, West Plains, MO 65775. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
