William "Bill" B. Owens

William “Bill” B. Owens, 93, of Wamego Kansas, passed away October 7, 2014 at his residence. He was born in Wamego on November 22, 1920, in his family’s home at 7th and Maple, to Alva Earl and Sarah (Domeny) Owens. He attended school in Wamego and graduated in 1938. He was the eldest of 4 children. In 1942 Bill joined the US Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged after 2 years 10 months and 14 days. He was stationed in Italy for 1½ years, during which time he had an audience with the Pope. He was with the 450th Bomb Group Heavy, 723rd Squadron. After he was discharged, he and Jim Childers started an electrical contracting business. He was in business for 25 years. On June 10, 1951 he married Inez Roberts. To this union, two children were born, Robert and Thomas. In 1969 Bill became the city manager of Wamego and remained city manager for almost 13 years. Inez preceded him in death on February 9, 2006. He was a member of the American Legion for 70 years, a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, a member of the Wamego volunteer fire department for 20 years, the last 6 of which he served as the fire chief. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church from 1932 to 1958. Then he became a member of the Wamego United Methodist Church. Bill was President of the Kansas Municipal Utilities and was also president of the Kansas Association of City Managers. He also served on the Board of Zoning appeals and finished a term on the library board. Bill was also preceded in death by his sister, Helen Peters, and his brothers George Owens, and Charles Owens. He leaves two sons, Robert (Kim) of Wamego, and Thomas (Tonie) of Suwanee, GA, 4 grandsons, and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Owens will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 10, 2014 at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego. Burial will follow in Wamego City Cemetery. He will lie in-state Thursday, Oct. 9 beginning at 1:00 p.m., with family greeting friends during a visitation from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested Grace Hospice of Topeka, or to the Wamego Senior Center and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.