William Michael Owens, “Bill,” of West Lafayette, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the OSU Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, following a brief illness. He was born October 1, 1947, in Coshocton, to the late Walter William Owens, and the late Gertrude Louis (Richcreek) Owens.
Bill was a 1965 graduate of Coshocton High School, before going to the Ohio State University. He graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and then entered the Ohio State University College of Law, where he graduated in 1972 with a Juris Doctor’s Degree.
Bill was a member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, the West Lafayette Masonic Lodge #602, West Lafayette Lions Club, and the Coshocton Elks #376. He also served on the Ridgewood Board of Education, past president of the Coshocton County Cancer Society, and board member of the Coshocton Foundation. He was a member of the Coshocton County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. When he passed the bar, he came back to Coshocton to join the Kenneth Berry firm, then later, he and Michael Manning formed the Owens and Manning partnership. Bill served as a prosecuting attorney in Coshocton County for several years, and also served on the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol (Hall) Owens; his daughter, C. Ashley (Joe) Klier of West Lafayette; and two special grandchildren, Madelyn and William Klier. His step-nieces, Cindy (Craig) Collins of Newcomerstown, Cathy (Harry) Hittle of Coshocton, Susan Owens of Jonesboro, Indiana and Lynn (Doug) Immel of New Philadelphia and his precious kittens, Midnight and Callie.
Per Bill’s wishes, a Memorial and Masonic Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the West Lafayette United Methodist Church, 120 West Union Avenue, West Lafayette, Ohio.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to The West Lafayette United Methodist Church, 120 West Union Avenue, West Lafayette, Ohio, the Ridgewood Drama Program, 602 Johnson Street, West Lafayette, Ohio, the Ridgewood Recreation, P.O. 66 West Lafayette, Ohio, and/or the Ridgewood Athletic Department/Girls Soccer Program, 602 Johnson Street, West Lafayette, Ohio. Donation envelopes will be available at the church.
Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.
An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com.
