Dr. Wilbert P. Owen, Jr.

Dr. Wilbert P. Owen, Jr., 81, formerly of Copperas Cove, Texas, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2014. Dr. Owen was born on April 2, 1933 in Newman Grove, Nebraska to Wilbert Sr. and Ann (Tisthammer) Owen along with a twin brother, Wayne Owen. Wilbert preferred to be called Will. He graduated from Iowa State University and enlisted as an officer in the United States Air Force. While at Iowa State University he met the love of his life, Jacquie Lynn Hoy, on a blind date. Wilbert's roommate had a crush on Jacquie and spoke so highly of her that Will decided to take his roommate's place on the blind date. Jacquie sent her roommates to scout out the blind date and report back. Because he was a striking young man, they chose to not tell her what he looked like. She kept him waiting for over an hour until she finally went out with him. They were married two years later spending the next fifty-three years together. After serving his country proudly for 7 years, he returned to the University of Iowa and received his dental degree. Dr. Owen was in private practice in Iowa and Texas for the next thirty-five years until retirement in Copperas Cove, Texas. Dr. Owen loved airplanes and was an accomplished airplane hobbyist. He also put his fine motor skills to use by making paper beads to be used in jewelry to support missionaries worldwide. Dr. Owen was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Wayne and his beloved wife Jacquie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: his daughter, Tracy Dubcak , husband Glenn Dubcak and granddaughters Drew and Leigh Dubcak. A short memorial service will be held Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. Memorial donations may be made to the Bineham Mission Foundation, www.binehamfoundation.com. The family of Dr. Will Owen wishes to also thank the staff of Estrella Oaks Nursing home for their compassionate care of their father and grandfather. Personal words of comfort may be sent to the family online at www.gabrielsfuneral.com.