William "Bill" Owens

Bill was born on March 8, 1948, in Fort Sheridan, the son of Paul Donald and Ruth Anne (Boyd) Owens. He married Debra Chimento on March 7, 1970, in Springfield.

Bill graduated from Lanphier High School in 1966. He proudly served his country as a “Green Beret” in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Bill worked as a heavy equipment operator, a painter, and in multiple areas of politics. He and his wife hosted 28 foreign exchange students from 11 countries. Bill was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 965, the John Birch Society, American Legion, Re-Al Car Club and St. Cabrini Church where he sang in the choir for 40 years. He ran for congress in 1994 and 1996. Bill was a singer song writer, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and helping others. Above all, he adored his grandchildren and spending time with family.

Bill was preceded in death by parents, and infant brother, Conrad Owens.

He is survived by his wife, Debra of Springfield; sons, Billy (Jennifer) Owens III, and Mikee (Jenny) Owens, both of Springfield; adopted children, João Rodrigues, Jaime Barbosa, and Marcos Lima; grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Lauren, Allison, and Stormy; brothers, Don (Connie) Owens, and Ross (Marie) Owens; sisters, Pat (Donnie) Shimkus, Essie Pritchard, and Annette Jacoby; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, at St. Cabrini Church, 1020 N. Milton, Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. Visitation will begin with prayers at 4:00 p.m. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at St. Cabrini Church with Rev. Kevin Mann, S.J.C., and Rev. George Nellikunnel, concelebrants. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Graveside Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Department of Disabled American Veterans, 3740 W. Wabash Ave., Springfield, IL 62704, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.