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Submitted: 12/15/18 • Approved: 12/15/18 • Last Updated: 12/18/18 • R815846-G0-S3
Mar 20, 1949
Jan 23, 2018
Billy Joe Bowen, 68, of Willow Springs, Missouri died on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. He was born at home on March 20, 1949 in Texas County, Missouri 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 September 4, 1982 in Enid, Oklahoma at the First FreeWill Baptist Church. In 1986, he returned home to Willow Springs to live near family. He attended CrossWay Fellowship Church in Willow Springs.
Bill was a carpenter and had a reputation for creating masterpieces. Among his many accomplishments are the Willow Springs Library, White Industries building, Landmark Bank of Cabool, and the sanctuary of Pomona Christian Church. He built homes, churches and commercial buildings from Texas to Alaska.
His creative mind and capable hands led Bill to do many amazing things. He made his own lathe to turn the giant columns of the Ferguson plantation home, and his own scissor lift for special jobs. After he retired from construction, Bill could be found in his massive garden or tending his beehives. Whether making custom cabinets for someone’s home or spinning jars of honey, he shared the fruits of his labor with others. Everything he did was from a full and compassionate heart.
Even though he possessed unmatched talent, Bill believed himself a simple man. His most cherished accomplishments 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; two sons, Shadwyck Erwin Bowen of Dixon, Missouri and Raymond LeRoy Bowen of Cabool, Missouri; four daughters, Tyra Jo Perkins of West Plains, Missouri, Jennifer Jo Knapp, Bobbi Sue Gregory, and Marie Ann Bowen all of Willow Springs, Missouri; three grandchildren, Kehnemund Jack Gregory, Stephen Joseph Gregory and Carter Jonah Knapp and one grandson on the way, Wyatt Joe Bowen; and four sisters, Nealma Masengill, Betty Durnell, Reva McLain, and Sharlet Bowersox.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 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, Missouri 65775. [yarbermortuary.com.]
Contributed on 12/15/18 by mjrwag
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Record #: 815846