Billy Mack Owen

Billy Mack Owen passed away at the age of 84 on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 surrounded by loving family.

Billy Mack Owen was born on July 26, 1941 to James Louis and Alta Marie (Fisk) Owen. He grew up in McGregor and graduated from McGregor High School in 1959. Following graduation, Billy joined the US Army where he was named top sharpshooter of his unit. After his service, Billy worked as a brick and rock mason throughout his life, a skill he learned from his father. He became a valued employee of Lehigh Portland Cement Company as an instrument repairman and foreman until his retirement.

Billy’s love of family and outdoors remained constant throughout his life. He loved hosting and organizing family gatherings, cookouts, and reunions. Spending time with family was important to Billy. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, however he gave up hunting after making a 450 yard shot, because he said “it was too easy.” He continued to love fishing, a past time he shared with his mother. His hand crafted jigs are still in use by family today. He and his wife, Shirley, shared many happy times traveling and hosting cookouts for the extended family. His love of travel and history were combined in wonderful road trips with Jim, where father and son spent time discussing life and touring places such as the Smithsonian and the WWII museum. Billy was a proud Pa Pa and loved and cherished his grandchildren. He took pride in every accomplishment, bragging any time he could.

Billy was also an avid collector of arrowheads and could tell you the origins, ages, and uses of each point he owned. In his younger days, you could find him digging in the dirt most weekends. He also visited his grandson’s primary school to teach them about arrowheads and native Americans. He was so proud to do this.

Billy also was a PeeWee baseball coach for many years and loved leading his teams to victory. His passion for baseball did not end with coaching boys, he also enjoyed playing in men’s fast-pitch softball leagues for many years.

One of the greatest loves of his life and an identity he held dear was being the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 431 in McGregor. He ran weekly meetings with the boys teaching subjects ranging from citizenship and first aid to survival skills and jig tying. He would also spend weekends on campouts with large groups of boys. Later, he led a Boy Scout Explorer Post where he worked with older boys and girls (based out of the cement plant).

Billy is survived by his wife, Shirley and his children, Jim and Debra Owen, Terri Cantrell, and Stan and Debbie Ward as well as grandchildren Hannah Owen, Ty Cantrell, Cody Cantrell, Evie Ward, and Ethan Ward. He is also survived by his brother and his wife, Mike and Paula Owen and many more extended family members.